Definition
oligochaete
noun
- A segmented worm of the class Oligochaeta, which includes earthworms and freshwater worms, characterized by relatively few bristles per segment.
Usage: biology; zoology
Examples
- Earthworms are the most familiar oligochaetes found in soil.
- The biology class studied oligochaetes under the microscope to understand segmented worm anatomy.
- Oligochaetes play an important role in aerating soil and decomposing organic matter.
- Unlike polychaetes, oligochaetes have fewer setae on each body segment.
- Freshwater oligochaetes are commonly used as food for aquarium fish.