noun
- a paired, fleshy appendage found on each segment of certain marine worms, used for locomotion and respiration
Usage: biology; zoology
Examples
- The polychaete worm uses its parapodia to swim through the water.
- Each parapodium contains bristle-like structures called setae.
- Marine biologists examined the parapodia under a microscope.
- The worm’s parapodia help it burrow into the sandy ocean floor.
- Blood vessels in the parapodia facilitate gas exchange.
- The researcher counted the number of parapodia on each specimen.