Linguatulida

plural noun

Lin·​gua·​tu·​li·​da

ˌliŋgwəˈtülədə,

-wə‧ˈtyü-

: a group of wormlike pseudosegmented parasitic animals that are considered to constitute a separate phylum, a class of Arthropoda, or especially formerly an order of Arachnida, that lack eyes, circulatory system, and respiratory organs, that live as adults in the respiratory passages or body cavity of reptiles, birds, or mammals, and that undergo larval development in the visceral tissues of similar hosts and that comprise the tongue worms

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Linguatula + -ida

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!