Athecata
|a-the-ca-ta|
/ˌeɪθɪˈkeɪtə/
without a theca (protective case)
Etymology
'Athecata' originates from Modern (New) Latin, formed from the prefix 'a-' (meaning 'not' or 'without') and Greek-root-derived element 'theca' (from Greek 'thēkē', meaning 'case' or 'box'), literally meaning 'without a theca'.
'Athecata' was used in 19th- and 20th-century zoological classification to group hydrozoans lacking a theca; as hydrozoan systematics evolved (and groups like Gymnoblastea were used), the term's taxonomic application shifted or was subdivided, leading to reduced use in modern formal classifications.
Initially, it specifically designated a formal taxonomic group of hydrozoans 'without a theca'; over time the term's use became more descriptive/historical as taxonomy was revised, so its role shifted from a strict modern taxon name to a historical or descriptive label.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
(historical, zoology) A taxonomic grouping of hydrozoan cnidarians whose polyps lack a theca (a protective cup or case); often referred to collectively as athecate hydroids.
Many species formerly placed in Athecata were later reassigned as hydrozoan taxonomy was revised.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/14 01:32