actinia

noun

ac·​tin·​ia
ak-ˈti-nē-ə
1
capitalized in some classifications : a genus of sea anemones nearly coextensive with the order Actiniaria
2
plural actiniae
ak-ˈti-nē-ˌē
or actinias : any sea anemone or related animal

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from Greek aktīn-, aktís "ray, beam" + New Latin -ia -ia entry 1

First Known Use

1752, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of actinia was in 1752

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near actinia

Cite this Entry

“Actinia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actinia. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!