1. plural of medusa: the free-swimming, bell-shaped stage in the life cycle of jellyfish and other cnidarians
Usage: biology
2. plural of Medusa: in Greek mythology, one of the three Gorgon sisters with snakes for hair whose gaze turned people to stone
Usage: mythology; capitalized when referring to the mythological figure

Examples

• The marine biologist studied the medusas floating in the tide pool.
• Several medusas washed up on the beach after the storm.
• The aquarium’s jellyfish exhibit featured colorful medusas from around the world.
• Ancient Greek pottery often depicted medusas with their characteristic snake hair.
• The artist’s sculpture was inspired by the mythological medusas.
• Young medusas develop from polyps attached to the ocean floor.
• Perseus defeated one of the medusas by using his shield as a mirror.