1. in Greek mythology, one of three sisters with snakes for hair whose gaze turned people to stone
Usage: mythology
2. a free-swimming jellyfish in its adult stage
Usage: biology

Examples

• Perseus defeated Medusa by looking at her reflection in his shield.
• The ancient Greeks feared the deadly gaze of Medusa.
• Marine biologists studied the medusa stage of the jellyfish lifecycle.
• The medusa floated gracefully through the ocean water.
• Artists often depicted Medusa with writhing snakes for hair.
• The transparent medusa pulsed as it moved through the sea.