nemertean

[ ni-mur-tee-uhn ]

noun

1. any member of the invertebrate phylum Nemertea, comprising the ribbon worms.

nemertean

/ ˈnɛməˌtaɪn; nɪˈmɜːtɪən /

noun

1. Also calledribbon worm any soft flattened ribbon-like marine worm of the phylum (or class) Nemertea (or Nemertina ), having an eversible threadlike proboscis

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the Nemertea

Other Words From

• ne·mer·tine [ni-, mur, -teen], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nemertean¹

1860–65; < New Latin Nemerte ( a ), derivative of Nemertes a genus (< Greek Nēmertḗs name of a Nereid; -a ² ) + -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of nemertean¹

C19: via New Latin from Greek Nēmertēs a Nereid ¹

Example Sentences

One of the largest nemertean worms; found on sandy and muddy shores near low-water mark.

From Project Gutenberg

The principal characteristic of the nemertean worms is a long thread-like organ, known as the proboscis.

From Project Gutenberg