hydractinian Meaning, Definition & Usage

Hy`drac*tin"i*an noun

Etymology

See Hydra, and Actinia.

Definitions

1. (Zoöl.) Any species or marine hydroids, of the genus Hydractinia and allied genera. These hydroids form, by their rootstalks, a firm, chitinous coating on shells and stones, and esp. on spiral shells occupied by hermit crabs. See Illust. of Athecata.