alcyonarian

noun

al·​cy·​o·​nar·​ian ˌal-sē-ə-ˈner-ē-ən How to pronounce alcyonarian (audio)
: any of a subclass (Alcyonaria) of colonial anthozoans (such as the sea pens) having polyps with eight branched tentacles and eight septa

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Greek alkyoneion, a zoophyte, from neuter of alkyoneios of a kingfisher, from alkyon kingfisher; from its resemblance to a kingfisher's nest

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alcyonarian was in 1861

Rhymes for alcyonarian

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Browse Nearby Words

Alcyonaria
alcyonarian
Alcyone
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Cite this Entry

“Alcyonarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alcyonarian. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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