echinoderm
noun
echi·no·derm
i-ˈkī-nə-ˌdərm 
: any of a phylum (Echinodermata) of radially symmetrical coelomate marine animals including the starfishes, sea urchins, and related forms
Examples of echinoderm in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Like all echinoderms, starfish have endoskeletons built of tiny bones, or ossicles, linked by muscles and collagen fibers that allow the animals to change posture and move.
—
Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 14 Sep. 2024
In fact, most aquatic invertebrates and all echinoderms (sea stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and sand dollars) start life as planktonic larvae before growing into the adult form we’re used to seeing.
—Jennifer Adler, Vox, 7 July 2024
The animals are the first transgenic echinoderms, the phylum that includes starfish, sea cucumbers and other marine animals.
—Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2024
But these barely scratch the surface of animal diversity, with things like cephalopods, insects, and echinoderms all having distinct features.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 17 May 2023
See all Example Sentences for echinoderm 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 14 Sep. 2024
In fact, most aquatic invertebrates and all echinoderms (sea stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and sand dollars) start life as planktonic larvae before growing into the adult form we’re used to seeing.
—Jennifer Adler, Vox, 7 July 2024
The animals are the first transgenic echinoderms, the phylum that includes starfish, sea cucumbers and other marine animals.
—Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2024
But these barely scratch the surface of animal diversity, with things like cephalopods, insects, and echinoderms all having distinct features.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 17 May 2023
See all Example Sentences for echinoderm
Dictionary Entries Near echinoderm
Cite this Entry
“Echinoderm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/echinoderm. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
echinoderm
noun
echi·no·derm
i-ˈkī-nə-ˌdərm
: any of a phylum of marine invertebrate animals (as starfishes, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers) that have a number of similar body parts (as the arms of a starfish) arranged around a central axis, a calcium-containing inner skeleton, and a water-vascular system
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share