coelenterate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “coelenterate” mean?
A member of a phylum of simple aquatic invertebrate animals with a sac-like body and a single opening.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A member of a phylum of simple aquatic invertebrate animals with a sac-like body and a single opening.
Primarily used in zoology to describe marine invertebrates like jellyfish, sea anemones, and corals, characterized by radial symmetry and stinging cells.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Exclusively scientific. No regional emotional connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects outside technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “coelenterate” in a Sentence
N (Noun used as subject/object)Adj + N (e.g., 'primitive coelenterate')Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in biological and marine science texts, often with historical framing.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
The primary context, though 'Cnidaria' is preferred.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coelenterate”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coelenterate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coelenterate”
- Mispronouncing the initial 'coe-' as /koʊ/ (like 'coefficient') instead of /sɪ/ or /sə/.
- Misspelling as 'celenterate'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern taxonomy, 'Cnidaria' is the preferred phylum name, but 'coelenterate' is often used synonymously in historical or general contexts, sometimes also including the phylum Ctenophora.
They possess radial symmetry, a sac-like body cavity (coelenteron), and specialized stinging cells called cnidocytes.
No, they have a decentralized nerve net rather than a centralized brain.
No, it is a highly specialized scientific term with very low frequency outside academic or technical discussions about marine biology.
A member of a phylum of simple aquatic invertebrate animals with a sac-like body and a single opening.
Coelenterate is usually technical/scientific in register.
Coelenterate: in British English it is pronounced /sɪˈlɛntərət/, and in American English it is pronounced /səˈlɛntəreɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SEE-lent' + 'errate' → Imagine seeing a *lentil*-shaped creature that *errs* (moves simply) in the sea.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A
Practice
Quiz
The term 'coelenterate' is most likely to be encountered in which context?