spiny-headed worm

noun

spiny-head·​ed worm ˈspī-nē-ˌhe-dəd- How to pronounce spiny-headed worm (audio)
: any of a small phylum (Acanthocephala) of unsegmented parasitic worms that have a proboscis bearing hooks by which attachment is made to the intestinal wall of the host

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spiny-headed worm was in 1946

Dictionary Entries Near spiny-headed worm

Cite this Entry

“Spiny-headed worm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spiny-headed%20worm. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

spiny-headed worm

noun
spiny-head·​ed worm ˌspī-nē-ˌhed-əd- How to pronounce spiny-headed worm (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on spiny-headed worm

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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