nudibranch

noun

nu·​di·​branch ˈnü-də-ˌbraŋk How to pronounce nudibranch (audio)
ˈnyü-
plural nudibranchs
: any of an order (Nudibranchia) of marine opisthobranch mollusks without a shell in the adult state and without true gills
nudibranch adjective

Illustration of nudibranch

Illustration of nudibranch

Examples of nudibranch in a Sentence

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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.
Two nudibranch use their extended gonophors to mate, while simultaneously enjoying the delights of a good meal of green tendrils. — Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 The animal features a unique grab bag of traits of other nudibranchs, says study co-author and MBARI marine biologist Steven Haddock. — Jude Coleman, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Nudibranchia, from Latin nudus + Greek branchia gills

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nudibranch was in 1844

Rhymes for nudibranch

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“Nudibranch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nudibranch. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nudibranch

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