Flatworm

/ˈflætwɜrm/ noun

Definition

A thin, flat parasitic or free-living worm with no body cavity, like tapeworms or planarians.

Etymology

Compound of 'flat' + 'worm,' named for their distinctive flattened body shape; the group includes phylum Platyhelminthes identified in the 1800s.

Kelly Says

Some flatworms called planarians can literally regenerate their entire body from a tiny piece—chop one in half and you get two worms that grow back their missing parts!

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