starfish

[ stahr-fish ]

noun

, plural (especially collectively) star·fish, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) star·fish·es.

1. any echinoderm of the class Asteroidea, having the body radially arranged, usually in the form of a star, with five or more rays or arms radiating from a central disk; asteroid.

starfish

/ ˈstɑːˌfɪʃ /

noun

1. any echinoderm of the class Asteroidea , such as Asterias rubens , typically having a flattened body covered with a flexible test and five arms radiating from a central disc

starfish

/ stär′fĭsh′ /

1. Any of various marine echinoderms of the class Asteroidea, having a star-shaped body usually with five arms. The arms have rows of little suckers on the undersides, called tube feet, with which the animal moves around and grasps prey. Many species extrude their stomach onto prey and digest it externally. Starfish can grow new arms if any are lost, and in one species, a whole individual can be regenerated from a single piece of arm. Starfish are related to sea urchins and sea cucumbers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of starfish¹

First recorded in 1530–40; star + fish

Example Sentences

Just like how our marine friend can pretend to be a starfish, eventually it will move its tentacles and reveal its true nature.

From Salon

When displayed visually, that continuum looks something like a multicolored starfish swimming away from a predator.

From Science Daily

The research team also found ways to isolate the genes that communicate during the starfish's reproduction process.

From Science Daily

This process, known as clonal fragmentation, is practiced by almost 50 species of existing brittle stars and their starfish relatives.

From New York Times

The researchers began by fabricating waterproof sensors that rely on flexible microscopic pillars inspired by the tube-like feet of a starfish.

From Science Daily