ribbon worm

American  

noun

1. any of various slender, unsegmented marine worms of the phylum Nemertea, being able to contract and stretch to an extreme extent.

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ribbon worm British  

noun

1. another name for nemertean

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Etymology

Origin of ribbon worm

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

The clamming industry has had to contend with more marine predators of clams such as green crabs and milky ribbon worm in recent years.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 17, 2021

Many species of marine ribbon worm have the ability to regrow their heads — an unprecedented example of related animals independently mastering the trick of regeneration.

From Nature • Mar. 7, 2019

And it also must contend with milky ribbon worm, another predator of clams that is not deterred by the nets.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 3, 2018