jellyfish
UK: ˈdʒɛlɪfɪʃ | US: ˈdʒɛlifɪʃ
n. a free-swimming marine animal with a soft, gelatinous body and stinging tentacles.
n. (informal) a weak or indecisive person.
The word "jellyfish" combines "jelly," derived from Old French "gelee" (meaning "frost" or "jelly"), and "fish," from Old English "fisc." Despite not being true fish, these creatures were named for their gelatinous, translucent bodies resembling jelly and their aquatic habitat. The term reflects a descriptive, folk-taxonomic approach rather than scientific classification.
A jellyfish drifted past us, its tentacles glowing faintly in the dark water.
She screamed when a jellyfish stung her leg at the beach.
The aquarium’s jellyfish exhibit is mesmerizing under blue light.
He’s such a jellyfish—always avoiding tough decisions.
Scientists study jellyfish to understand marine ecosystems better.