Zool. [mod. f. Gr. ἐχῖν-ος sea-urchin + -ID; cf. F. échinide.] Any member of the Echinus family. As pl. mod.L. Echinida is often used; also Echinidans in same sense.
1835. Kirby, Hab. & Inst. Anim., I. vi. 209. The most powerful and complex organs with which the Creator has gifted the Echinidans are their jaws and teeth.
1851. Richardson, Geol., 225. Echinida have a globular ovoid or depressed body without rays.
1887. Athenæum, 5 Feb., 194/2. The echinids, asterids, and holothurids have sprung from a common primitive form.
