Serpula

[s:pjjlә]

Definition

(n.) Any one of numerous species of tubicolous annelids of the genus Serpula and allied genera of the family Serpulidae. They secrete a calcareous tube, which is usually irregularly contorted, but is sometimes spirally coiled. The worm has a wreath of plumelike and often bright-colored gills around its head, and usually an operculum to close the aperture of its tube when it retracts.

Inputed by Carter

Definition

n. a genus of sedentary Ch鎡opod worms living in twisted calcareous tubes fastened to shells and rocks in the sea or even to other animals such as crabs.—adj. Serpū′lian.—n. Ser′pulite a fossil of the family Serpulid.—adjs. Serpulit′ic Ser′puloid.

Typed by Lena