Platyhelminthes Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/pləˌtɪhɛlˈmɪθɪz/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A phylum of flatworms, characterized by their bilateral symmetry, absence of a body cavity, and the presence of a protonephridial system for excretion.

Examples

Platyhelminthes are a diverse group of worms, including tapeworms and flatworms.
They are found in a variety of environments, including freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems.

Synonyms

Flatworm
Platyhelminth

Antonyms

Celomate
Bilaterian

Etymology

The word “Platyhelminthes” comes from the Greek words “platys”, meaning “broad”, and “haima”, meaning “blood”, referring to the flat and bilaterally symmetrical body shape of these worms.

Usage Notes

In scientific contexts, the term “Platyhelminthes” is used to refer to this phylum of worms, while in everyday language, it is often replaced by more general terms such as “flatworm” or “worm”.

Cultural References

The term “Platyhelminthes” has rarely been used in popular culture, but it has appeared in scientific documentaries and educational programs.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

None

Related Words or Phrases

Phylum, worm, flatworm, protonephridial, bilateral symmetry

Collocations

Platyhelminthes nervous system, Platyhelminthes reproduction, Platyhelminthes anatomy

Frequency of Use

Very rare in everyday language, but commonly used in scientific and academic contexts.