nemertean

[ ni-mur-tee-uhn ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

nemertean

/ nɪˈmɜːtɪən; ˈnɛməˌtaɪn /

Also calledribbon worm any soft flattened ribbon-like marine worm of the phylum (or class) Nemertea (or Nemertina ), having an eversible threadlike proboscis

1860–65; < New Latin Nemerte ( a ), derivative of Nemertes a genus (< Greek Nēmertḗs name of a Nereid; -a ² ) + -an

C19: via New Latin from Greek Nēmertēs a Nereid ¹

One of the largest nemertean worms; found on sandy and muddy shores near low-water mark.

The principal characteristic of the nemertean worms is a long thread-like organ, known as the proboscis.

April 23, 2024inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

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