A sea anemone; specifically one of the genus Actinia. Also (in form Actinia): the genus itself.
((n.) An animal of the class Anthozoa, and family Actinidae.
From a resemblance to flowers in form and color, they are often called
animal flowers and sea anemones. [See Polyp.].|--|(n.) A genus in the family Actinidae.|--|)
Origin:
Mid 18th century; earliest use found in John Hill (bap. 1714, d. 1775), physician and actor. From scientific Latin Actinia from ancient Greek ἀκτῖν-, ἀκτίς ray + scientific Latin -ia.