medusa
Pronunciation: /mɪˈdjuːzə, -sə/
noun ( plural medusae /-ziː, -siː/ or medusas)
Zoology- a free-swimming sexual form of a coelenterate such as a jellyfish, typically having an umbrella-shaped body with stinging tentacles around the edge. In some species, medusae are a phase in the life cycle which alternates with a polypoid phase. Compare with polyp.
- a jellyfish.
Origin:
mid 18th century: named by association with Medusa