medusa: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical (biology), literary/academic (mythology)
Quick answer
What does “medusa” mean?
A jellyfish.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A jellyfish; specifically, the free-swimming, typically bell-shaped, sexually reproductive form in the life cycle of cnidarians.
Primarily, the mythological Gorgon, a monstrous female creature with snakes for hair whose gaze could turn onlookers to stone. This mythological sense is the source of the biological term, due to the resemblance of tentacles to snakes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The mythological reference is equally known in both cultures.
Connotations
Identical connotations of danger, entrapment, or petrification (mythology) and stinging, gelatinous marine life (biology).
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British educational contexts regarding classical studies.
Grammar
How to Use “medusa” in a Sentence
[the/a] medusa (of [species])[Adjective] medusamedusa with [trait]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “medusa” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The medusan stage is crucial for reproduction.
American English
- Researchers studied the medusan morphology.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in marine biology, zoology, and classical studies/humanities.
Everyday
Rare. If used, typically refers to a jellyfish seen at the beach or the mythological figure.
Technical
Precise term in cnidarian biology for the sexual, often pelagic, morph.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “medusa”
- Capitalising 'medusa' when referring to the jellyfish (it's only capitalised for the specific mythological character, Medusa).
- Using the biological term 'medusa' to refer to all types of jellyfish without taxonomic precision.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In common usage, yes, but technically it refers to a specific life stage in the cnidarian life cycle, which many jellyfish exhibit.
Only when referring specifically to the mythological Gorgon named Medusa. The biological term is written in lowercase.
Because its long, trailing tentacles were thought to resemble the snakes on the head of the mythical Medusa.
Typically, no. However, in careful speech, some differentiate the final sound (/sə/ for the myth, /zə/ for the jellyfish), but this is not a strict rule.
A jellyfish.
Medusa is usually technical (biology), literary/academic (mythology) in register.
Medusa: in British English it is pronounced /mɪˈdjuːzə/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈduːsə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A gaze like Medusa's”
- “Medusa's touch”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a jellyfish with tentacles like snakes, just like the hair of the mythical Medusa. Both can 'sting' you (with venom or a paralyzing gaze).
Conceptual Metaphor
A MEDUSA IS A PETRIFYING/DANGEROUS ENTITY. Used metaphorically for people or things that paralyze, entrap, or terrify through appearance or influence.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'medusa' used with a precise, non-mythological meaning?