turbellarian

noun

tur·​bel·​lar·​i·​an ˌtər-bə-ˈler-ē-ən How to pronounce turbellarian (audio)
: any of a class (Turbellaria) of mostly aquatic and free-living flatworms (such as a planarian)
turbellarian adjective

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Latin turbellae (plural) bustle, stir, diminutive of turba confusion, crowd; from the tiny eddies created in water by the cilia

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of turbellarian was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near turbellarian

turbeh

turbellarian

turbid

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Cite this Entry

“Turbellarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turbellarian. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

turbellarian

noun
tur·​bel·​lar·​i·​an -ˈler-ē-ən, -ˈlar- How to pronounce turbellarian (audio)
: any flatworm of the class Turbellaria
turbellarian adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on turbellarian

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about turbellarian

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