Annelid: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in scientific or educational contexts when referring to a member of the phylum Annelida, which includes earthworms, leeches, and marine worms.

• Annelids play a crucial role in the ecosystem by breaking down organic matter and aerating the soil

A general term that can refer to various soft-bodied, legless invertebrates, not specific to any particular phylum. It is the most commonly used term in everyday language.

• She found a worm in the garden and placed it back into the soil

Emphasizes the segmented body structure of these worms and is typically used in educational contexts.

• Segmented worms are important for studying the evolution of more complex organisms

Commonly used to describe marine annelids found in saltwater environments, particularly those that have noticeable bristles or hairs.

• Bristle worms can often be found among coral reefs and rocky shorelines

Used in scientific or educational contexts to refer to a broad group of segmented worms that includes earthworms, leeches, and polychaetes.

• Annelids play a significant role in soil health.
• The annelid Phylum consists of various species with segmented bodies.

Employed in both casual and scientific contexts to describe worms with segmented bodies. It serves as a general descriptor within the annelid category.

• An earthworm is a type of segmented worm.
• Segmented worms can be found in various habitats, from soil to ocean floors.

Commonly used in a more casual or marine biology context to refer to a type of annelid with bristles. These are often found in marine environments.

• Be careful when handling a bristle worm; their bristles can sting.
• The coral reef had many colorful bristle worms.

Used in scientific contexts, especially marine biology, to refer specifically to a class of annelids that predominantly live in marine environments and possess many bristles.

• Polychaetes are vital for the marine ecosystem.
• A new species of polychaete was discovered in the deep sea.