sea wasp

noun

: an extremely venomous box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri) of Australia that has a bell that may reach over 11 inches (28 centimeters) in width with tentacles that may reach a length of over 78 inches (2 meters)
Among Cubomedusae, or box jellyfish, the sea wasp—Chironex fleckeri—can kill you in three minutes flat.—Polly Shulman

Word History

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sea wasp was in 1910

Dictionary Entries Near sea wasp

sea-washed

sea wasp

sea watch

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Cite this Entry

“Sea wasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sea%20wasp. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

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Medical Definition

sea wasp

noun
: any of various scyphozoan jellyfishes (order or suborder Cubomedusae) of tropical waters that inflict a painful and sometimes fatal sting

called also box jellyfish

More from Merriam-Webster on sea wasp

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sea wasp

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