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Glite Dictionary
Oligochaeta

Oligochaeta

9.9
A group of segmented worms like earthworms that have few bristles on each segment
  • noun
  • /ˌɒlɪˈɡoʊkiːtə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : oligoquetos
  • The soil is rich in nutrients, thanks to the presence of Oligochaeta like earthworms.

Examples

  • The Oligochaeta class includes various species that contribute to decomposing organic matter.

  • Scientists study Oligochaeta to understand their role in soil health and formation.

  • I have received Cook and Brinkhurst's 1973 report on the Oligochaeta.

    Academic text (1996)

Surface Forms

Oligochaeta singular
Oligochaetae plural

Morphology

Oligochaeta = chaeta (opaque) = oligo + chaeta

A technical taxonomic formation from Greek combining forms ('oligo-' + 'chaeta') whose components are unlikely to be recognized by an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Oligochaeta comes from the Greek parts oligo- meaning 'few' and -chaeta meaning 'bristle' or 'hair'. So the name fits worms like earthworms that have only a few bristles on each body segment.