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Glite Dictionary
chaetognathous

chaetognathous

9.9
Relating to small marine animals called arrowworms
  • adjective
  • /ˌkiːtəˈɡnæθəs/
  • Specialized
: quetognato
  • The morphology of chaetognathous animals aids in their predatory behavior.

Examples

  • The chaetognathous species are common in plankton samples collected from coastal waters.

  • Scientists have discovered a new chaetognathous species in the deep sea, revealing its unique adaptations.

  • Researchers observed distinctive feeding mechanisms in chaetognathous organisms.

  • The chaetognathous species are fascinating to study.

  • Are there any chaetognathous organisms in this sample?

  • The chaetognathous creatures play a significant role in marine ecosystems by preying on smaller plankton.

  • Marine biologists are studying the chaetognathous traits that contribute to their success as predatory animals.

Synonyms

chaetognathan
vschaetognathous
  • Specialized
9.9

Relating to small sea worms called arrowworms

has identical meaning but is an alternate adjectival form

Surface Forms

chaetognathous positive

Morphology

chaetognathous = chaetognath (opaque) = chaeto + gnath + ous

The base word 'chaetognath' is itself highly technical and not transparent to English learners.

Etymology

Chaetognathous comes from the roots chaeto- 'hair' and -gnathous 'jaw', so it means 'hair-jawed' and helps you picture the tiny bristle-like spines near the jaws of arrowworms. That's why chaetognathous is used for animals in the arrowworm group.