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Glite Dictionary
Polychaeta

Polychaeta

9.9
Sea worms with many body segments and bristles on most segments
  • noun
  • /ˌpɒlɪˈkiːtə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Poliquetos
  • Some Polychaeta exhibit bright colors and elaborate appendages.

Examples

  • The diet of Polychaeta varies greatly depending on habitat and species.

  • Scientists discovered a new species of Polychaeta living near hydrothermal vents.

  • The Polychaeta class includes various species found in ocean habitats.

  • Many Polychaetes are known for their colorful bristles.

  • Scientists discovered a new species of Polychaeta living near hydrothermal vents.

  • Some Polychaeta exhibit bright colors and elaborate appendages.

  • The diet of Polychaeta varies greatly depending on habitat and species.

Surface Forms

Polychaeta singular
Polychaetes plural

Morphology

Polychaeta = chaeta (semi-transparent) = poly + chaeta

The form is literally built from 'poly' + 'chaeta' ('many bristles'), but as a taxonomic class name it is a specialized scientific label rather than an everyday descriptive word.

Etymology

Polychaeta comes from Greek parts: poly- 'many', as in polygon, and chaeta 'hair' or 'bristle'. These worms have many bristled legs along their body, so the name means 'many-bristled' and helps explain their look.