Cnidaria \Cni*da"ri*a\ (n[i^]*d[=a]"r[i^]*[.a]), n. pl. [NL. See {Cnida}.] (Zo["o]l.) A comprehensive group equivalent to the true C[oe]lenterata, i. e., exclusive of the sponges. They are so named from presence of stinging cells (cnidae) in the tissues. See {Coelenterata}.