Antedon

/ænˈtɛd.ən/ noun

Definition

A genus of free-living sea lilies or crinoids, marine animals with feathery arms attached to a cup-shaped body.

Etymology

From New Latin, combining Greek 'ante' (before) and Greek 'odous' (tooth). Named by scientists studying these ancient-looking creatures from the ocean depths.

Kelly Says

Sea lilies like Antedon look like flowers growing from the ocean floor, but they're actually animals—and when scientists discovered living ones in the 1800s, it shocked the world because everyone thought crinoids went extinct millions of years ago.

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