tardigrade

noun

tar·​di·​grade ˈtär-də-ˌgrād How to pronounce tardigrade (audio)
: any of a phylum (Tardigrada) of microscopic invertebrates with four pairs of stout legs that live usually in water or damp moss

called also water bear

Examples of tardigrade in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Next, the tardigrade was covered with an organic liquid known as anisole, which froze into a thin layer of ice. New Atlas, 5 May 2025 Once cooled, the tardigrades were coated with vaporized anisole, creating an ice layer. ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2025 But tardigrades, also known as water bears or moss piglets, are among the toughest survivors evolution has ever carved out. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025 The tardigrade subsequently warmed to room temperature and was rehydrated, coming back to life with a brand new tattoo. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tardigrade

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Latin tardigradus slow-moving, from tardus slow + gradi to step, go — more at grade entry 1

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tardigrade was in 1860

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Cite this Entry

“Tardigrade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tardigrade. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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