noun
- Plural of crinite; an extinct marine animal of the class Crinoidea, characterized by a cup-shaped body and feathery arms, related to starfish and sea urchins.
Usage: paleontology; technical; plural form
Examples
- Crinites were abundant in ancient seas during the Paleozoic Era.
- Fossils of crinites are commonly found in limestone deposits.
- The museum's collection includes several well-preserved crinites specimens.
- Paleontologists study crinites to understand the evolution of echinoderms.
- Crinites attached themselves to the seafloor using a long, flexible stem.