acanthocephalan
n. C2 Proficiency acan·tho·cepha·lan
n. a type of parasitic worm that lives inside the bodies of animals like birds and fish. It has a hard shell and a long neck.
n. a member of a group of parasitic worms belonging to the phylum Acanthocephala. Characterised by a spiny proboscis and a tough, spiny outer covering.
The acanthocephalan lives inside the gut of its host.
Researchers discovered a rare acanthocephalan in the digestive system of a local waterfowl during a wildlife survey.
The evolutionary success of the acanthocephalan is attributed to its specialized attachment mechanism, which allows it to remain firmly anchored within the intestinal tract of its vertebrate host.