nudibranch

American  

[noo-duh-brangk, nyoo-] / ˈnu dəˌbræŋk, ˈnyu- /

noun

1. a shell-less, marine snail of the suborder Nudibranchia, having external, often branched respiratory appendages on the back and sides.

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nudibranch British  

/ ˈnjuːdɪˌbræŋk /

noun

1. Also called: sea slug.  any marine gastropod of the order Nudibranchia, characterized by a shell-less, often beautifully coloured, body bearing external gills and other appendages

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nudibranch Scientific  

/ no̅o̅′də-brăngk′ /

1. See sea slug

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Etymology

Origin of nudibranch

1835–45; < French nudibranche, equivalent to nudi- nudi- + branche gill (< Latin branchia branchia )

Example Sentences

The mystery mollusk is the first known nudibranch to live in a deep-water column, specifically in the ocean’s midnight zone — open water about 1,000 to 4,000 meters below the surface.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2024

If threatened by a predator, the nudibranch will discharge the stinging cells, says Valdés.

From National Geographic • Feb. 7, 2024

The rainbow sea slug, or Babakina anadoni, is a member of the aeolid nudibranch family, which are characterised by their bright colours and unusual shapes, he said.

From BBC • May 15, 2023

Giant groupers flourish among the rocks, a psychedelic purple nudibranch sea slug clings to an outcrop, and a pair of rays skate along the undisturbed sandy bottom.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 13, 2022

This beautiful nudibranch was first found near Laguna by Miss M. Cate, not far from Dana's point in 1916.

From Journal of Entomology and Zoology Volume Eleven, Number Two, June 1919 by Various