flatworm
noun
flat·worm
ˈflat-ˌwərm 
: any of a phylum (Platyhelminthes) of soft-bodied usually much flattened acoelomate worms (such as the planarians, flukes, and tapeworms)
called also platyhelminth
Examples of flatworm in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Consider Levin’s experiments with planaria, the humble flatworm.
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Sigal Samuel, Vox, 4 June 2024
Maybe in the Cretaceous period flatworms created lines of ecological connection between organisms as different as clams and dinosaurs.
—Kristi Curry Rogers, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2024
Severing a flatworm usually just results in two identical flatworms, but something appears to have gone awry in one individual, who returned with another head where his tail should have been.
—Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 13 June 2017
More emojis of plants, mollusks, flatworms, fungi and microorganisms could help spark new conversations about conservation and biodiversity, a new study argues.
—Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2023
See all Example Sentences for flatworm 
Sigal Samuel, Vox, 4 June 2024
Maybe in the Cretaceous period flatworms created lines of ecological connection between organisms as different as clams and dinosaurs.
—Kristi Curry Rogers, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2024
Severing a flatworm usually just results in two identical flatworms, but something appears to have gone awry in one individual, who returned with another head where his tail should have been.
—Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 13 June 2017
More emojis of plants, mollusks, flatworms, fungi and microorganisms could help spark new conversations about conservation and biodiversity, a new study argues.
—Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2023
See all Example Sentences for flatworm
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'flatworm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Flatworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flatworm. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
flatworm
noun
flat·worm
-ˌwərm
: any of a phylum of simple worms (as planarians, flukes, or tapeworms) that have a soft flat body, lack a body cavity, and have bilateral symmetry
Medical Definition
flatworm
noun
flat·worm
ˈflat-ˌwərm
: any worm of the phylum Platyhelminthes : platyhelminth
especially
: turbellarian
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