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

Example Sentences

This order comprises a peculiar group of parasites, first described by A. Stolc in 1899, which are restricted to Oligochaete worms of the family Tubificidae.

From Project Gutenberg

There are so many differences of detail that no line can be drawn between the one-celled funnel of Aeolosoma and the extraordinarily large and folded funnel of the posterior nephridia in the Oligochaete Thamnodrilus.

From Project Gutenberg

The Knipovich expedition in 1904 found no traces of organic life below the depth of 220 fathoms except micro-organisms and a single Oligochaete; but above that level there exist abundant evidences of rich pelagic life, more particularly from the surface down to a depth of 80 fathoms.

From Project Gutenberg