suctoria

/sʌkˈtɔːriə/

Definitions

1. noun

A small freshwater animal, typically a member of the phylum Cnidaria, that attaches itself to the body of a host organism and feeds on its bodily fluids.

“The suctoria was found attached to the belly of the small fish.”

2. noun

A class of freshwater cnidarians, typically small and parasitic.

“Suctoria are often found in freshwater lakes and rivers.”

Synonyms

  • cnidarian
  • freshwater polyp

Antonyms

  • marine animal
  • terrestrial animal