noun
- plural of alcyonarian; marine organisms of the subclass Alcyonaria, including soft corals and sea fans, characterized by eight-branched tentacles
Usage: zoology; marine biology; technical
Examples
- Alcyonarians are found in oceans throughout the world, from shallow reefs to the deep sea.
- The alcyonarians in the coral garden displayed vibrant colors and delicate polyps.
- Marine biologists study alcyonarians to understand reef ecosystem dynamics.
- Unlike stony corals, alcyonarians have flexible skeletons made of protein and calcium carbonate spicules.