sb. pl. Zool. [mod. L. sb. pl. (prop. adj. sc. animalia) f. Gr. ἀκαλήφη a nettle; also used in the form Acalephæ fem. pl.] A class of Radiate marine animals, embracing the Jelly-fishes and Medusas, of pellucid gelatinous substance; so called from possessing the power of stinging or tingling anything which they touch, whence some of them are also known as sea-nettles. The sing. is supplied by Acaleph, Acalephan.
1846. Patterson, Zoology, 39. The various functions performed by the Acalephae.
1855. Gosse, Marine Zool., I. 37, Class II Acalepha (Sea Blubbers), The most common form of these animals is that of an umbrella or a mushroom; a broad circular convex disk of jelly, usually clear and colourless.
