annelid

Definition

Any of various wormlike animals, of the phylum Annelida, having a segmented body; they include the earthworm and the leech.

Etymology

From French annélidé, coined by French naturalist Lamarck.

Example Sentences

• "Incarcerated in earth-filled boxes, the hapless annelids face execution in the morning. Death by immersion in fishponds, death by cruel hooks."
• "The polychaetous annelid species complex of Neanthes acuminata has a widespread distribution, with names depending on geographic location."