tunicates (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/tjuːˈnɪkeɪts/

Meaning and Usage

Tunicates, also known as sea squirts, are marine animals that belong to the subphylum Urochordata. They are characterized by their unique body structure, which is encased in a tunic (a tough outer covering). Tunicates have a simple body plan and are filter feeders, drawing in water through one siphon, filtering out food, and expelling the water through another siphon. These organisms are commonly found in various marine environments, from coastal waters to the deep sea.

Frequency of Use: The term "tunicates" is used primarily in scientific contexts, particularly in marine biology and ecology, and is less common in everyday conversation. It is more frequently encountered in written contexts such as research papers, textbooks, and marine biology articles.

Example Sentences

1. Tunicates are often studied for their unique regenerative abilities.

2. Tunicates werden oft wegen ihrer einzigartigen Regenerationsfähigkeiten untersucht.

3. Many marine biologists are fascinated by the diversity of tunicates in various ecosystems.

4. Viele Meeresbiologen sind von der Vielfalt der Tunikaten in verschiedenen Ökosystemen fasziniert.

5. In the ocean, tunicates can be found attached to rocks and other surfaces.

6. Im Ozean können Tunikaten an Felsen und anderen Oberflächen befestigt gefunden werden.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "tunicates" itself isn't commonly featured in idiomatic expressions, it can be related to broader themes in marine biology and ecology. Here are some sentences that incorporate "tunicates" with idiomatic expressions related to marine life:

1. Even in the sea of tunicates, there are pearls of wisdom to be found.

2. Selbst im Meer der Tunikaten gibt es Perlen der Weisheit zu finden.

3. Don't let the tunicates cloud your judgment when studying marine ecosystems.

4. Lass die Tunikaten nicht deine Urteilsfähigkeit trüben, wenn du marine Ökosysteme studierst.

5. Much like tunicates, we often attach ourselves to various rocks that hinder our growth.

6. Ähnlich wie Tunikaten hängen wir oft an verschiedenen Felsen, die unser Wachstum behindern.

Etymology

The word "tunicate" comes from the Latin "tunica," meaning "tunic" or "coat," referring to the outer covering of these animals. The use of the term in zoological contexts dates back to the 18th century when the classification of these organisms was developed.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: Sea squirts, Urochordates
Antonyms: There are no direct antonyms, as tunicates refer to a specific classification of marine animals.

Tunicates are an integral part of marine ecosystems, and their unique characteristics and adaptations make them a significant subject of study within marine biology.