[ol-i-goh-keet] 
| any of various annelids of the family Oligochaeta, including earthworms and certain small, freshwater species, having locomotory setae sunk directly in the body wall. |
| ol·i·go·chaete or ol·i·go·chete (ŏl'ĭ-gō-kēt', ō'lĭ-) n. Any of various annelid worms of the class Oligochaeta, including the earthworms and a few small freshwater forms. [From New Latin Oligochaeta, class name : oligo- + chaeta.] ol'i·go·chae'tous (-kē'təs) adj. |
| oligochaete or oligochete (ŏl'ĭ-gō-kēt', ō'lĭ-) Pronunciation Key
Any of various annelid worms of the class Oligochaeta. Oligochaetes, unlike polychaetes, have relatively few bristles (called setae) along the body, and often have a thickened, ringlike region (called a clitellum) that secretes a substance used for enclosing eggs in a cocoon. Oligochaetes include the earthworms and a few small freshwater forms. Compare polychaete. |
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