Noun: medusa (medusae,medusas) mu'd(y)oo-su
- One of two forms that coelenterates take: it is the free-swimming sexual phase in the life cycle of a coelenterate; in this phase it has a gelatinous umbrella-shaped body and tentacles
"The box jellyfish is a dangerous medusa";
- medusoid, medusan
- (Greek mythology) a woman transformed into a Gorgon by Athena; she was slain by Perseus
Derived forms: medusae, medusas, Medusas
Type of: cnidarian, coelenterate, Gorgon
Part of: Cnidaria, Coelenterata, phylum Cnidaria, phylum Coelenterata
Encyclopedia: Medusa, New York