crinoid

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a marine echinoderm of the class Crinoidea, including sea lilies and feather stars, with feathery arms around a central body

   The crinoid spread its branching arms into the current to capture suspended food.

2. 2
   adj

   relating to or characteristic of animals of the class Crinoidea

   Crinoid fossils are common in some ancient limestone deposits.

Formed from Greek krinon, 'lily,' + -oid, 'resembling.' Stalked crinoids were named sea lilies because their central cups and feathery arms resemble flowers on stems.

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