Sipunculoidea

plural noun

Si·​pun·​cu·​loi·​dea
(ˌ)sīˌpəŋkyəˈlȯidēə
1
: a group of marine worms of obscure systematic position that are commonly classed as a division of Gephyrea and that lack setae and have the mouth at the end of a retractile introvert similar to a proboscis and usually provided with tentacles and the anus anterior and dorsal
2
in some classifications
a
: a group coextensive with Gephyrea
b
: a class or other group comprising Sipunculoidea (see sense 1 above) and Priapuloidea

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Sipunculus, genus of marine worms (from Latin sipunculus, siphunculus little pipe) + -oidea

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Dictionary Entries Near Sipunculoidea

Cite this Entry

“Sipunculoidea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Sipunculoidea. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

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