POLYCHAETE Definition & Meaning

polychaete

[ pol-i-keet ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

any annelid of the class Polychaeta, having unsegmented swimming appendages with many setae or bristles.

adjective

Also ��Ǳ�y·��󲹱�t�ǳܲ�. belonging or pertaining to the Polychaeta.

polychaete

/ ˈ��ɒ��ɪˌ�쾱ː�� /

noun

any marine annelid worm of the class Polychaeta, having a distinct head and paired fleshy appendages (parapodia) that bear bristles (chaetae or setae) and are used in swimming: includes the lugworms, ragworms, and sea mice

adjective

of, relating to, or belonging to the class Polychaeta

polychaete

/ ��ŏ��′ĭ-��ŧ��′ /

Any of various often brightly colored annelid worms of the class Polychaeta. Each segment of a polychaete has a pair of fleshy appendages that are tipped with bristles (setae), used for swimming or burrowing. Most species of polychaetes live in saltwater, feed on tiny aquatic animals and plants, and range in size from a few millimeters to 3 m (10 ft) in length.
Compare oligochaete

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of polychaete¹

1885–90; < New Latin Polychaeta < Greek ��Ǳ��⳦��í��ŧ�� having much hair. See poly-, chaeta

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of polychaete¹

C19: from New Latin, from Greek ��Ǳ��ܰ�󲹾��ŧ��: having much hair; see chaeta

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

So what does this polychaete do with its walloping peepers after dark?

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"Even if you look at polychaetes, which is just one group of worms, it's a big task with hundreds and hundreds of species," Patrick says.

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An unprotected clutch would prove an easy snack for predators like starfish, polychaete worms and sea spiders, Dr. Cheng said.

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Modern sand strikers are polychaete worms, belonging to the same group of animals as the sand worms that make little bubbles as the tide ebbs at the beach.

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They were something more like the polychaete worms that scuttle about the ocean today.

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