Nereidae

plural noun

Ne·​re·​idae
nə̇ˈrēəˌdē
: a large family of predaceous marine polychaete worms that have an elongated many-segmented body with large complex parapodia on most segments and a well-defined head with paired tentacles and palps, four prostomial eyes, eight peristomial cirri, and large jaws which bite transversely and that include burrowing and free-swimming forms see nereis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Nereis, type genus + -idae

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Nereidae

Cite this Entry

“Nereidae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Nereidae. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!