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flatworm
noun
flat·worm
ˈflat-ˌwərm
: any of a phylum (Platyhelminthes) of soft-bodied usually much flattened acoelomate worms (such as the planarians, flukes, and tapeworms)
called also platyhelminth
Examples of flatworm in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In this new study, Nakajima and the team focused on the group of genes that is unique to animals with high regenerative capacity like flatworms.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 1 Aug. 2024
Periods of heavy rain in Houston drew out a rash of invasive and toxic hammerhead flatworms.
—Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 29 July 2024
Modern-day flatworm parasites have complex life cycles involving multiple host species.
—Kristi Curry Rogers, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2024
Houston residents are bracing for invasive and toxic hammerhead flatworms after an onslaught of heavy rain.
—Danielle Jennings, Peoplemag, 24 July 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1874, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near flatworm
Cite this Entry
“Flatworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flatworm. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
flatworm
noun
flat·worm
-ˌwərm
: any of a phylum of simple worms (as planarians, flukes, or tapeworms) that have a soft flat body, lack a body cavity, and have bilateral symmetry
Medical Definition
flatworm
noun
flat·worm
ˈflat-ˌwərm
: any worm of the phylum Platyhelminthes : platyhelminth
especially
: turbellarian
More from Merriam-Webster on flatworm
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about flatworm
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