acanthocephali
|a-can-tho-ce-pha-li|
🇺🇸
/əˌkænθoʊˈsɛfəlaɪ/
🇬🇧
/əˌkænθəʊˈsɛfəlaɪ/
(acanthocephalan)
thorny-headed worm
Etymology
'acanthocephali' originates from Greek, specifically the words 'akantha' meaning 'thorn' and 'kephalē' meaning 'head'.
'Acanthocephali' was derived from the Greek words 'akantha' and 'kephalē', and it has been used in scientific taxonomy to describe this group of parasitic worms.
Initially, it meant 'thorny head', referring to the spiny proboscis of these worms, and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a group of parasitic worms known as thorny-headed worms, characterized by their spiny proboscis.
The acanthocephali are known for their complex life cycles involving multiple hosts.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/04/10 21:21