‖ Alcyonium
(ælsɪˈəʊnɪəm)
[L., ad. Gr. ἀλκυόνιον Bastard-sponge, so called according to Dioscorides from its resemblance to the nest of the ἀλκυών or Halcyon.]
A genus of zoophytes, giving its name to the sub-order Alcyonaria, forming firm fleshy masses, a species of which is popularly called Dead Man's Fingers, and Cow's Paps.
| 1752 Phil. Trans. XLVII. 460 Call'd madrepora, lithophyton or alcyonium. 1786 Ibid. LXXVI. 444 Infinite variety of corals, madrepores, alcyoniums. 1857 Wood Com. Obj. Sea Shore vi. 116 When placed in clear sea-water, the alcyonium soon begins to put forth a few crystalline columnar polyps. |