platyhelminth

noun

platy·​hel·​minth ˌpla-ti-ˈhel-ˌmin(t)th How to pronounce platyhelminth (audio)
: flatworm
platyhelminthic
ˌpla-ti-hel-ˈmin(t)-thik How to pronounce platyhelminth (audio)
ˌpla-ti-hel-ˈmin-tik
adjective

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Greek platys broad, flat + helminth-, helmis helminth

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of platyhelminth was in 1877

Browse Nearby Words

Platyhelmia
platyhelminth
platykurtic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Platyhelminth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/platyhelminth. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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Medical Definition

platyhelminth

noun
platy·​hel·​minth ˌplat-i-ˈhel-ˌmin(t)th How to pronounce platyhelminth (audio)
: any worm of the phylum Platyhelminthes

called also flatworm

More from Merriam-Webster on platyhelminth

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about platyhelminth

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