Sipunculoidea

plural noun

Si·​pun·​cu·​loi·​dea
(ˌ)sīˌpəŋkyəˈlȯidēə
1
: a group of marine worms of obscure systematic position that are commonly classed as a division of Gephyrea and that lack setae and have the mouth at the end of a retractile introvert similar to a proboscis and usually provided with tentacles and the anus anterior and dorsal
2
in some classifications
a
: a group coextensive with Gephyrea
b
: a class or other group comprising Sipunculoidea (see sense 1 above) and Priapuloidea

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Sipunculus, genus of marine worms (from Latin sipunculus, siphunculus little pipe) + -oidea

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Sipunculoidea

Cite this Entry

“Sipunculoidea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Sipunculoidea. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!