gorgonian

 
Pronunciation: /gɔːˈgəʊnɪən/
Zoology

noun

  • a colonial coral of an order distinguished by having a horny tree-like skeleton, including the sea fans and precious red coral.
    • Order Gorgonacea, class Anthozoa

adjective

  • relating to gorgons or gorgonians.

Origin:

mid 19th century: from modern Latin Gorgonia, from Latin Gorgo (see gorgon), with reference to its petrifaction, + -an