hydroid science definition

Any of numerous, usually colonial marine coelenterates of the order Hydroida, having a polyp rather than a medusoid form as the dominant stage of the life cycle. Hydroids have a simple cylindrical body with a mouthlike opening surrounded by tentacles. Most species form colonies with individual hydroids branching off from a common hollow tube that is probably used to share ingested food. The young develop from eggs or from buds. The most well-known hydroids are the Hydras  (genus Hydra), which are atypical in being both freshwater and solitary.