arrowworm

[ ar-oh-wurm ]

noun

1. any small, translucent marine worm of the phylum (or class) Chaetognatha, having lateral and caudal fins.

arrowworm

/ ˈærəʊˌwɜːm /

noun

1. any small marine invertebrate of the genus Sagitta , having an elongated transparent body with fins and prehensile oral bristles: phylum Chaetognatha (chaetognaths)

Word History and Origins

Origin of arrowworm¹

First recorded in 1885–90; so called from a fancied resemblance to an arrow