Coelenteron

/siːlˈɛntərɒn/ noun

Definition

The main body cavity in jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones that serves as both mouth and digestive system.

Etymology

From Greek koilos (hollow) + enteron (intestine). Coined in the 1800s to describe the unified cavity system found in cnidarians, distinguishing them from animals with separate digestive tracts.

Kelly Says

Imagine if your mouth, stomach, and intestines were literally the same space—that's what a coelenteron is, and it's why jellyfish can be as simple as they come while still catching and eating fish.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.