spiny-headed worm

noun

spiny-head·​ed worm ˈspī-nē-ˌhe-dəd- 

: any of a small phylum (Acanthocephala) of unsegmented parasitic worms that have a proboscis bearing hooks by which attachment is made to the intestinal wall of the host

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

spiny-headed worm

noun

spiny-head·​ed worm ˌspī-nē-ˌhed-əd- 

: acanthocephalan