annelid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Highly specializedTechnical/scientific
Quick answer
What does “annelid” mean?
Any segmented worm of the phylum Annelida, characterized by a body divided into ring-like segments.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Any segmented worm of the phylum Annelida, characterized by a body divided into ring-like segments.
A member of a large phylum of invertebrate animals, including earthworms, leeches, and marine polychaetes, typically having a long, cylindrical body composed of many identical segments.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; usage is identical in scientific contexts.
Connotations
Neutral scientific term without cultural connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse in both varieties; used almost exclusively in biology texts and discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “annelid” in a Sentence
The [adjective] annelid [verb]...[Annelid] is a member of...Scientists classify [organism] as an annelid because...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “annelid” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The annelid characteristics were clearly visible under the microscope.
- Their research focused on annelid physiology in tidal zones.
American English
- The annelid features helped classify the new species.
- They studied annelid regeneration in laboratory conditions.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Exclusively in biological sciences, particularly zoology and marine biology.
Everyday
Extremely rare; might appear in nature documentaries or advanced educational materials.
Technical
Core term in invertebrate zoology, taxonomy, and comparative anatomy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “annelid”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “annelid”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “annelid”
- Confusing with 'arachnid' (spiders) or 'arthropod'.
- Misspelling as 'annelid' (double n) or 'anelid'.
- Using as a general term for any worm (it's specific to segmented worms).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Annelid' refers specifically to segmented worms (phylum Annelida) like earthworms and leeches. Many other worms (e.g., flatworms, roundworms) belong to different phyla.
Almost exclusively in scientific contexts: biology textbooks, zoology research papers, university courses, and possibly high-quality nature documentaries.
Its body is divided into a series of repetitive, ring-like segments (metameres). This segmentation is internal as well as external.
Yes, in scientific writing (e.g., 'annelid anatomy', 'annelid species'). It is primarily a noun but can function attributively.
Any segmented worm of the phylum Annelida, characterized by a body divided into ring-like segments.
Annelid is usually technical/scientific in register.
Annelid: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæn.ə.lɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæn.ə.lɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ANNELID: ANNe Loves Earthworms In Dirt (Anne + LID for the segmented body like stacked lids).
Conceptual Metaphor
LIVING SEGMENTED TUBE (focus on repetitive body structure)
Practice
Quiz
Which of these organisms is an annelid?