MEDUSA

TileHead’s Word of the Day for 25 July 2011

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

MEDUSA  (n. pl. - E or -S)

Definition(s):

1. (n.) a jellyfish

Useful information for game players:

• Front hooks: (none)
• Back hooks: -E, -L, -N, -S
• Anagrams: AMUSED
• Longer extensions: -NS
• Wraparounds: (none)
• Other Spellings: (none)
• Related Forms: MEDUSAL (adj.), MEDUSAN (n.), MEDUSOID (n.)

Epilogue:
The simple JELLYFISH has been called many names.  MEDUSA was Carl Linnaeus’ suggestion, obviously from the resemblance of certain species to the head of snakes attributed to Medusa of Greek mythology.  And, interestingly, variations of the word MEDUSA do remain the primary names for jellyfish in French, Italian, Spanish, and many other languages.  Other English terms for the gelatinous sea creature include ACALEPH, CNIDARIAN, sea blubber, sea jelly, sea lungs, or sea nettle.  The first two of these are used primarily in scientific contexts and derive from Greek words meaning “nettle,” a reference to the stinging organ (called a CNIDA) of some species.

This week’s theme: Words starting with the letter M

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =