oligochaete

[ ol-i-goh-keet ]

noun

1. any of various annelids of the family Oligochaeta, including earthworms and certain small, freshwater species, having locomotory setae sunk directly in the body wall.

oligochaete

/ ˈɒlɪɡəʊˌkiːt /

noun

1. any freshwater or terrestrial annelid worm of the class Oligochaeta, having bristles (chaetae) borne singly along the length of the body: includes the earthworms

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the class Oligochaeta

oligochaete

/ ŏl′ĭ-gō-kēt′,ō′lĭ- /

1. Any of various annelid worms of the class Oligochaeta. Oligochaetes, unlike polychaetes, have relatively few bristles (called setae) along the body, and often have a thickened, ringlike region (called a clitellum) that secretes a substance used for enclosing eggs in a cocoon. Oligochaetes include the earthworms and a few small freshwater forms.
2. Compare polychaete

Other Words From

• oli·go·chaetous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of oligochaete¹

1875–80; < New Latin Oligochaeta; oligo-, chaeta

Word History and Origins

Origin of oligochaete¹

C19: from New Latin; see oligo- , chaeta