acanthocephalan

noun

acan·​tho·​ceph·​a·​lan ə-ˌkan(t)-thə-ˈse-fə-lən How to pronounce acanthocephalan (audio)
plural acanthocephalans
: any of a small phylum (Acanthocephala) of unsegmented parasitic worms that have a proboscis bearing hooks by which attachment is made to the intestinal wall of the host : spiny-headed worm
acanthocephalan adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Acanthocephala, taxon that includes the spiny-headed worms (from Greek ákantha "thorn, prickle, spine" + New Latin -o- -o- + -cephala, neuter plural of -cephalus "having a head of a given sort," borrowed from Greek -kephalos, derivative of kephalḗ "head") + -an entry 1 — more at acanthus, cephalic

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of acanthocephalan was circa 1889

Browse Nearby Words

acantho-
acanthocephalan
Acanthocephali
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Cite this Entry

“Acanthocephalan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acanthocephalan. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Medical Definition

acanthocephalan

noun
acan·​tho·​ceph·​a·​lan -lən How to pronounce acanthocephalan (audio)
: any of the phylum Acanthocephala of unsegmented parasitic worms

called also spiny-headed worm

acanthocephalan adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on acanthocephalan

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about acanthocephalan

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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