ophiuroidea, n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. 'o`fis serpent + 'oyra` tail + e'i^dos form.].
A class of star-shaped echinoderms having a disklike body, with slender, articulated arms, which are not grooved beneath and are often very fragile; -- called also Ophiuroida and Ophiuridea. See Illust. under Brittle star. [1913 Webster]