Definition

A type of small animal in a colony that has a mouth and tentacles, used for feeding.

Example

The hydranth extended its tentacles to catch small prey in the water.

Conversation

Have you ever studied how a hydroid colony works?

Not really, but I've heard they have these interesting structures called hydranths.

Yeah, the hydranth is crucial for feeding in the colony.

That sounds fascinating! I should look into it more.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hydranth is formed from "hydra" (from Greek "ὕδωρ", meaning water) and "anthos" (from Greek "ἄνθος", meaning flower). The word refers to a flower-like structure in certain aquatic organisms, particularly in the context of hydroids and other cnidarians, which are often found in water.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'water flower' — 'hydra' relates to water, and 'anthos' means flower. This helps you remember that a hydranth is a flower-like structure found in water.

Visually Confused Words