scyphozoan
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: //ˌsɪf.əˈzoʊ.ən//
KK: /ˈsɪfəˌzoʊən/
adjective
Definition
Relating to a class of marine animals known for their jellyfish-like appearance and life cycle.
Example
The scyphozoan species are often found in warm ocean waters.
Conversation
Have you seen the new aquarium exhibit on scyphozoan jellyfish?
No, I haven't! Are they really as fascinating as they sound?
Absolutely! Their scyphozoan forms are mesmerizing to watch.
I’ll have to check it out this weekend!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
jellyfish
medusoid
gelatinous
Antonyms
solid
rigid
stiff
noun
Definition
A type of marine animal that belongs to the class Scyphozoa, which includes jellyfish. These creatures are known for their large, umbrella-shaped bodies and lack a true polyp stage.
Example
The scyphozoan floated gracefully through the water, its tentacles trailing behind it.
Conversation
Have you ever seen a scyphozoan up close?
No, I haven't! What are they like?
They're fascinating, especially the way they move through the water.
Root Explanation
Scyphozoan is formed from "scyphus" (from Greek 'σκύφος', meaning cup) and "zoon" (from Greek 'ζῷον', meaning animal). The term refers to a class of jellyfish that have a cup-shaped body, emphasizing their distinctive form as animals.
Memory Tip
Picture a jellyfish with a 'cup' shape ('scyphus') — that's why scyphozoans are jellyfish, as they are animals ('zoon') with a cup-like appearance.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.