Anenterous

/ænˈɛntərəs/ adjective

Definition

A medical or biological term describing organisms or structures lacking an intestine or digestive tract.

Etymology

From the prefix 'an-' meaning 'without,' combined with 'enteron,' from Greek 'enteron' meaning 'intestine.' The suffix '-ous' makes it an adjective describing the quality of being without intestines.

Kelly Says

Some parasitic worms are anenterous, absorbing nutrients directly through their skin instead of having a digestive system—it's a clever evolutionary shortcut that only works when you're living inside a host that does the digestion for you.

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