How Do You Spell CNIDAE?

Pronunciation: [sˈiːnˈɪdiː] (IPA)

Cnidae is a term used in biology referring to the stinging cells present in the tentacles of jellyfish and other related organisms. The spelling of this word may seem confusing as it contains the consonant cluster "cn" at the beginning. However, this is easily explained through the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). In IPA, the "c" represents the sound "k" and "n" represents the sound "n," resulting in the pronunciation of "k-ni-day." This spelling follows the standard Greek in which the word originates.

CNIDAE Meaning and Definition

1. Cnidae refers to specialized organelles found in the tiny stinging cells of a wide range of invertebrates, particularly in the phylum Cnidaria. These organelles are used primarily for self-defense, prey capture, and immobilization. The term "cnidae" is derived from the Greek word "knide," which means "nettle" or "poke," highlighting the stinging nature of these cells.

   Each cnida (plural: cnidae) is contained within a capsule known as a cnidocyst, which is composed of a flexible outer wall and a coiled thread-like structure called the cnidocil. When triggered, the cnidocil causes the outwardly pointing tubule, called the cnidocyst, to rapidly eject with great force. This action expels a hook-like barb or a long filament, coated with venom, into the target organism. The venom is composed of diverse toxic substances that can immobilize or paralyze the prey or serve as a deterrent against potential predators.

   Cnidae exhibit remarkable diversity in terms of structure and function. For instance, some types of cnidae possess nematocysts, which are barbed harpoon-like structures designed to pierce and inject venom into prey or potential threats. Other types have spirocysts, which encase the target in a sticky thread-like substance to immobilize or ensnare it.

   The ability to discharge cnidae is a defining feature of Cnidarians, including jellyfish, corals, sea anemones, and hydras. These organisms utilize their cnidae as a means of defense and capturing prey in their aquatic habitats. The presence of cnidae is a key characteristic that distinguishes Cnidarians from

Common Misspellings for CNIDAE

• xnidae
• vnidae
• fnidae
• dnidae
• cmidae
• cjidae
• chidae
• cnudae
• cnjdae
• cnkdae
• cnodae
• cn9dae
• cn8dae
• cnisae
• cnixae
• cnicae
• cnifae
• cnirae
• cnieae
• cvnidae

Etymology of CNIDAE

The word "Cnidae" comes from the Greek word "knidē" (κνίδη), meaning "nettle" or "sea-nettle". It derives from the Greek verb "knidēin" (κνίδειν), which means "to sting" or "to nettle". In biology, "Cnidae" refers to a specialized stinging cell found in various organisms like jellyfish and corals.