gastrotrich

noun

gas·​tro·​trich ˈga-strə-ˌtrik 

: any of a phylum (Gastrotricha) of minute aquatic pseudocoelomate animals that usually have a spiny or scaly cuticle and cilia on the ventral surface

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Greek gastr- + trich-, thrix hair — more at trich-

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

gastrotrich

noun

gas·​tro·​trich ˈgas-trə-ˌtrik 

: any of a small group of tiny animals that live in water and move by gliding