velvet worm

noun

Definition of velvet worm

: any of a phylum (Onychophora) of terrestrial, wormlike invertebrates that are found in damp, dark habitats of the southern hemisphere and have dry, velvety skin and numerous pairs of short, thick legs

Note: Velvet worms are noted for having morphological characteristics that resemble those of both arthropods and annelids.

Peripatus resemble downy caterpillars—hence their other name, the velvet worm—and live solely in moist places like rotten logs and leaf litter.— Matthew Cawood, Australian Geographic, April/June 1997 Members of the phylum Onychophora or velvet worms have incited debate for years regarding their position in the animal kingdom. — George Poinar, Jr., Science, 6 Sept. 1996

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about velvet worm

Dictionary Entries near velvet worm

Statistics for velvet worm

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for velvet worm

The first known use of velvet worm was in 1987

See more words from the same year

Comments on velvet worm

What made you want to look up velvet worm? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

WORD OF THE DAY

bivouac

to make a temporary encampment

Test Your Vocabulary

Musical Words Quiz

Which word describes a musical performance marked by the absence of instrumental accompaniment?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ