starfish

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a star-shaped marine echinoderm, typically with five or more arms radiating from a central disc

   A starfish clung to the rock as the tide receded.

A compound of star + fish, named for the animal's radiating shape. Although long called a fish in English, it is an echinoderm rather than a true fish; sea star is therefore preferred by many marine biologists.

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