Sealife guideThe sea life glossaryOur glossaries

Last updated on 05/07/2026 at 10:15 PM

English

Description

French

Français

mantle

Définition

A layer of tissue in mollusks that secretes the shell and may form a cavity for respiration and excretion.

Anglais

manteau

Français

mesoderm

Définition

The middle layer of cells in an embryo, which gives rise to muscles, bones and the circulatory system.

Anglais

mésoderme

Français

mesoglea

Définition

The jelly-like, non-cellular middle layer of a sponge, located between the outer and inner cell layers.

Anglais

mésogelée

Français

metaphyte

Définition

A simple, primarily plant-like organism, often referring to algae or other non-vascular plants.

Anglais

métaphyte

Français

metazoan

Définition

A multicellular animal with differentiated tissues and organs.

Anglais

métazoaire

Français

Micronesia

Définition

A region of Oceania made up of small islands in the western Pacific Ocean, including the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and the Marshall Islands.

Anglais

Micronésie (région)

Français

Micronesia

Définition

A country in the western Pacific ocean, officially called the Federated States of Micronesia, composed of over 600 small islands.

Anglais

Micronésie (pays) ou Etats Fédérés de Micronésie

Français

mysticetes

Définition

Baleen whales: large whales that filter-feed using baleen plates instead of teeth.

Anglais

mysticètes

Looking for the definition of a term but can't find it ? Or want to suggest one ? Contact us and we'll be happy to help !

Our latestUpdates

Thursday, May 7th 2026

Faroe islands

Discover the Faroe islands, a remote archipelago between Iceland and Norway known for its dramatic cliffs, colorful villages, and untouched Nordic landscapes. Find travel tips, itineraries, hiking guides, local culture, and inspiration to explore this unique destination in the North Atlantic.

Wednesday, May 6th 2026

The short-finned pilot whale

Discover the tropical pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus), a highly social large cetacean from tropical and subtropical waters, specialized in deep dives in search of squid.

Thursday, April 23rd 2026

Where to see groupers in the Mediterranean ?

Discover where to see groupers in the Mediterranean: the best diving spots and protected marine areas to observe this iconic fish in its natural habitat.

Photo of the Day

Crevette Donald Duck
(Leander plumosus)