annelid

an·ne·lid

noun \ˈa-nə-ˌlid\

Definition of ANNELID

: any of a phylum (Annelida) of usually elongated segmented coelomate invertebrates (as earthworms and leeches)

— annelid adjective

— an·nel·i·dan \ə-ˈne-lə-dən, a-\ adjective or noun

Origin of ANNELID

ultimately from Latin anellus little ring — more at annulet

First Known Use: 1813

annelid

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Body plan of an earthworm. Partitions (septa) divide the body cavity (coelom) into more than 100 …—© Merriam-Webster Inc.

Any member of a phylum (Annelida) of invertebrate animals that possess a body cavity (coelom), movable bristles (setae), and a body divided into segments by crosswise rings. Known as segmented worms, annelids are divided into three classes: marine worms (Polychaeta; see polychaete), earthworms (Oligochaeta), and leeches (Hirudinea).