planarian

noun

pla·​nar·​i·​an plə-ˈner-ē-ən 

: triclad

especially : any of various dark-colored freshwater triclad flatworms (family Planariidae) with two eyespots and a triangular head

Examples of planarian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This capacity is all too evidently lacking in humans—so how do planarians do it? —Philip Ball, Scientific American, 18 Apr. 2023

Even a small part of a planarian can regenerate into a full worm with the typical shape and proportions. —Philip Ball, Scientific American, 18 Apr. 2023

Cut off a planarian's head, and the creature will simply sprout a new one in its place. —Marla Broadfoot, Discover Magazine, 25 Nov. 2015

So how did the the planarian lose its centrosomes? —Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 10 Jan. 2012

If one animal could become an honorary superhero, my vote would be for the planarian. —Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 15 July 2013

Even so, this planarian and its beady eyespots is cute enough to take your breath away. —Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 3 Sep. 2015

With no new ones to replace them, the planarian has a few weeks to live. —Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 12 May 2011

Researchers led by Wallace Marshall at the University of California, San Francisco, wanted to know how centrosomes were involved in the amazing regenerative abilities of this planarian. —Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 10 Jan. 2012

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Planaria

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

planarian

noun

pla·​nar·​i·​an plə-ˈnar-ē-ən 

-ˈner-

: any of an order of small soft-bodied mostly water-dwelling flatworms having cilia

especially : one living in fresh water and having two eyespots and a triangular head

Medical Definition

planarian

noun

pla·​nar·​i·​an -ē-ən 

: any of the family Planariidae or order Tricladida comprising small soft-bodied ciliated mostly aquatic turbellarian worms

planarian adjective