Spanish Conversation · Level 74
60 words
Spanish word
medusa
Pronunciation
IPA/meˈðusa/
Meaning
- feminine nounjellyfish
Example
En verano muchas medusas llegan a la playa.
Many jellyfish come to the beach in summer.
More examples
Si te pica una medusa, enjuaga la zona con agua salada.
If a jellyfish stings you, rinse the area with salt water.
Core concept
Gelatinous bell-shaped sea animal with trailing stinging tentacles.
Common phrases
picadura de medusa
jellyfish sting
señal de medusas
jellyfish warning sign
agua con medusas
water with jellyfish
Similar words
agua viva: Transparent jellylike sea creature that drifts with the currents and can sting.
aguamala: Coastal jellyfish often found near shore whose contact causes a painful sting.
carabela portuguesa: Floating colonial animal with a gas-filled sail and long tentacles that deliver powerful stings.
Definition in Spanish
Animal marino del grupo Cnidaria con cuerpo gelatinoso y tentáculos que en contacto puede provocar reacciones urticantes.
Word origin
From Greek Medousa via Latin medūsa into Spanish, the mythic name was applied because the animal's long tentacles resemble Medusa's snaky hair.
Usage tips
- Me ha picado una medusa is the usual way to report a jellyfish sting and often prompts requests for first aid at the beach.