[on-i-kof-er-uh
n] 
| any small, predatory, caterpillarlike animal of the phylum Onychophora, common in tropical forests, having stubby legs ending in pincers. |
| on·y·choph·o·ran (ŏn'ĭ-kŏf'ər-ən) n. Any of numerous wormlike carnivorous animals of the phylum Onychophora, common in tropical and temperate forest regions and having characteristics of both arthropods and annelid worms. Also called peripatus, velvet worm. [From New Latin Onychophora, phylum name : Greek onux, onukh-, nail, claw; see onyx + Greek -phora, neuter pl. of -phoros, -phore.] on'y·choph'o·ran adj. |