noun Any of various colonial marine hydroids of the genus Obelia, having various specialized feeding and reproductive polyps and growing in a branchlike form. Colonies of obelia are found as a delicate furlike growth on the wooden piles of piers and wharves.
Origin:
Origin: New Latin Obelia, genus name
Origin: , probably from Greek obeliās, a loaf baked on a spit
Origin: , from obelos, a spit
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