flatworm

noun

flat·​worm ˈflat-ˌwərm How to pronounce flatworm (audio)
: any of a phylum (Platyhelminthes) of soft-bodied usually much flattened acoelomate worms (such as the planarians, flukes, and tapeworms)

called also platyhelminth

Examples of flatworm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In this new study, Nakajima and the team focused on the group of genes that is unique to animals with high regenerative capacity like flatworms. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 1 Aug. 2024 Periods of heavy rain in Houston drew out a rash of invasive and toxic hammerhead flatworms. Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 29 July 2024 Modern-day flatworm parasites have complex life cycles involving multiple host species. Kristi Curry Rogers, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2024 Houston residents are bracing for invasive and toxic hammerhead flatworms after an onslaught of heavy rain. Danielle Jennings, Peoplemag, 24 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for flatworm 

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flatworm was in 1874

Dictionary Entries Near flatworm

Cite this Entry

“Flatworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flatworm. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

flatworm

noun
flat·​worm -ˌwərm How to pronounce flatworm (audio)
: any of a phylum of simple worms (as planarians, flukes, or tapeworms) that have a soft flat body, lack a body cavity, and have bilateral symmetry

Medical Definition

flatworm

noun
flat·​worm ˈflat-ˌwərm How to pronounce flatworm (audio)
: any worm of the phylum Platyhelminthes : platyhelminth
especially : turbellarian

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