1. of, relating to, or belonging to the class Polychaeta of marine worms characterized by numerous bristle-like structures on each body segment
Usage: zoology; technical

1. a marine worm of the class Polychaeta, typically having paired appendages with bristles on each segment
Usage: zoology; technical

Examples

• The polychaetan worms are among the most diverse groups of marine invertebrates.
• Scientists studied the polychaetan fauna of the deep-sea hydrothermal vents.
• Each polychaetan segment bears paired parapodia with numerous setae.
• The polychaetan class includes tube worms, fan worms, and free-swimming forms.
• Researchers identified a new polychaetan species in the coral reef ecosystem.
• Polychaetan larvae are important components of marine plankton.