‖ nereis Zool.
(ˈnɪəriːɪs)
[L.; see Nereid. Formerly used as a name for several unrelated marine forms of animal life.]
† 1. A medusid. Obs. rare.
| 1752 J. Hill Hist. Anim. 92 The body of the Nereis is of a cylindric figure; and the tentacula are four in number, but two of them are usually very short, often scarce perceptible. 1770 Pennant Brit. Zool. IV. 38 Nereis Noctilucous. These are the animals that illuminate the sea, like glow-worms. 1797 Encycl. Brit. (ed. 3) XIII. 8/1 The..noctilucous nereis, which inhabits almost every sea. 1813 Bingley Zool. III. 424 The night-shining nereis. |
2. The typical genus of the Nereidæ; the sea-centipede (see Nereid 2).
| 1797 Encycl. Brit. (ed. 3) XIII. 8/2 Nereis gigantæa, or giant nereis... The three rows of small tufts..serve this nereis instead of feet. 1839–47 Todd's Cycl. Anat. III. 538/2 In the Nereis, Aphrodite, and other erratic worms. 1845 T. R. Jones Nat. Hist. Anim. I. 334 The mouth of the dead Nereis appears to be a simple opening, quite destitute of teeth. 1883 Harper's Mag. Jan. 184/1 The nereis, with opal tints and gleams of pearl,..resplendent with light. |