actinian

noun

ac·​tin·​i·​an ak-ˈti-nē-ən How to pronounce actinian (audio)

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Actinia, a sea anemone genus (from Greek aktīn-, aktís "ray, beam" + New Latin -ia -ia entry 1) + -an entry 1 — more at actin-

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of actinian was in 1869

Dictionary Entries Near actinian

Cite this Entry

“Actinian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actinian. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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