polychaete

[ pol-i-keet ]
/ ˈpɒl ɪˌkit /

noun

any annelid of the class Polychaeta, having unsegmented swimming appendages with many setae or bristles.

adjective

Also pol·y·chae·tous. belonging or pertaining to the Polychaeta.

Origin of polychaete

1885–90; < New Latin Polychaeta < Greek polychaítēs having much hair. See poly-, chaeta

Words nearby polychaete

polycarpellary, polycarpic, polycarpous, polycentric, polycentrism, polychaete, polychasium, polychlorinated biphenyl, polychondritis, polychromasia, polychromatic

British Dictionary definitions for polychaete

polychaete
/ (ˈpɒlɪˌkiːt) /

noun

any marine annelid worm of the class Polychaeta, having a distinct head and paired fleshy appendages (parapodia) that bear bristles (chaetae or setae) and are used in swimming: includes the lugworms, ragworms, and sea mice

adjective Also: polychaetous

of, relating to, or belonging to the class Polychaeta

Word Origin for polychaete

C19: from New Latin, from Greek polukhaitēs: having much hair; see chaeta

Scientific definitions for polychaete

polychaete
polychete (pŏl′ĭ-kēt′)

Any of various often brightly colored annelid worms of the class Polychaeta. Each segment of a polychaete has a pair of fleshy appendages that are tipped with bristles (setae), used for swimming or burrowing. Most species of polychaetes live in saltwater, feed on tiny aquatic animals and plants, and range in size from a few millimeters to 3 m (10 ft) in length. Compare oligochaete.