Ctene

/ˈtiːn/ noun

Definition

A comb-like structure found in comb jellies and other marine organisms, used for swimming by beating in coordinated waves.

Etymology

From Greek 'kteis' (comb), directly referring to the comb-row structures that give comb jellies their distinctive appearance and locomotion method.

Kelly Says

Comb jellies have been called the most successful animals nobody's heard of—their ctenes beat in waves of bioluminescence that create an iridescent light show while they hunt, making them look like undersea disco balls.

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