velella

[ vuh-lel-uh ]

noun

1. a floating colony of hydrozoans of the genus Velella, having a vertical crest that is used as a sail.

Other Words From

• ve·lelli·dous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of velella¹

1825–35; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin vēl ( um ) sail + -ella -ella

Example Sentences

Thus in Velella free medusae are produced, which have been described as an independent genus of medusae, Chrysomitra.

From Project Gutenberg

As the barnacles grew larger, the remains of the velella changed into large excrescences, half the size of a walnut.

From Project Gutenberg

I kept one specimen, to show old and young barnacles attached to the same Velella.

From Project Gutenberg

A Velella also was caught in the open bay: this is the first which has been observed in so high a latitude.

From Project Gutenberg