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Glite Dictionary
arrowworm

arrowworm

9.9
A small transparent sea worm with fins and curved spines near its mouth
  • noun
  • /ˈɛroʊˌwɜrm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : chaetognato
  • Most arrowworms are voracious predators, feeding on small planktonic animals.

Examples

  • The transparent body of the arrowworm makes it difficult to spot in open water.

  • Scientists observed an arrowworm swimming rapidly near the coral reef.

  • The arrowworm is a fascinating creature.

  • Many arrowworms can be found in the ocean.

  • Scientists observed an arrowworm swimming rapidly near the coral reef.

  • The transparent body of the arrowworm makes it difficult to spot in open water.

  • Most arrowworms are voracious predators, feeding on small planktonic animals.

Synonyms

chaetognath
vsarrowworm
  • Specialized
9.9

A transparent sea worm with side and tail fins and bristle-like jaws to catch food

has identical meaning but uses an alternative scientific name

Surface Forms

arrowworm singular
arrowworms plural

Morphology

arrowworm = arrow + worm (semi-transparent) = arrow + worm

The components 'arrow' and 'worm' are clear, but the term names a specific taxonomic group (Chaetognatha) and a specialized biological meaning that is not fully predictable from the parts for an average learner.

Etymology

Arrowworm comes from the English words arrow ('arrow') and worm ('worm'), because this small, clear sea animal looks long and pointed like an arrow and swims quickly, so its shape and speed explain the name.