polychaete

Latin - Turkish

Definition of polychaete in Latin Turkish dictionary

(Tabiat Doğa) kıllı solucanlar

English - English

Definition of polychaete in English English dictionary

Any of about 5,400 species of marine worms of the annelid class Polychaeta, having a segmented body with many setae (bristles) on each segment. Species, often brightly coloured, range from less than 1 in. (2.5 cm) to about 10 ft (3 m) long. Most body segments bear two bristly parapodia (lobelike outgrowths). The head has short sensory projections and tentacles. Adults may be free-swimming or sedentary; larvae are free-swimming. Found worldwide, polychaetes are important for turning over sediment on the ocean bottom. One species, the bloodworm, is a popular saltwater fish bait. See also tube worm

chiefly marine annelids possessing both sexes and having paired appendages (parapodia) bearing bristles

alternative spelling of polychete

Related Terms

polychaetes

plural of polychaete

Hyphenation

po·ly·chaete

Etymology

[ 'pä-lE-"kEt ] (noun.) 1896. ultimately from Greek polychaitEs having much hair, from poly- + chaitE long hair.