brittle star

or brittle·star

noun

1. any echinoderm of the class Ophiuroidea, having the body composed of a central, rounded disk from which radiate long, slender, fragile arms.

brittle-star

noun

1. See basket-star
   any echinoderm of the class Ophiuroidea , occurring on the sea bottom and having five long slender arms radiating from a small central disc See also basket-star

Word History and Origins

Origin of brittle star¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

We saw just now that the brittle-star breaks off its own rays at the slightest alarm.

From Project Gutenberg

In fact, they are so ready to do so that it is very difficult indeed to obtain a perfect brittle-star for a museum.

From Project Gutenberg

The name brittle-star is also descriptive, since they break off their limbs readily.

From Project Gutenberg

Perhaps the Brittle Star has found this dodge useful in escaping from enemies.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus, for instance, when a Brittle-star has its nerve-ring severed between each ray, an interesting series of events follows.

From Project Gutenberg