Discomedusan

/dɪskoʊmɪˈduːzən/ noun

Definition

A single member of the jellyfish group Discomedusae; any disc-shaped jellyfish.

Etymology

Singular form of discomedusae, formed by replacing the Latin plural ending -ae with singular designation; combines the same root elements (disco- + medusa) in singular form.

Kelly Says

Scientific naming can be confusing because Latin plurals work differently than English — most people would guess 'discommedusa' is singular, but in Latin taxonomy, singular 'discomedusan' is often used in English even though the Latin form looks plural.

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