SERPULA
\sˈɜːpjʊlə], \sˈɜːpjʊlə], \s_ˈɜː_p_j_ʊ_l_ə]\
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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.
By Oddity Software
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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.
By Noah Webster.
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ser'p[=u]-la, n. a genus of sedentary Chætopod worms, living in twisted calcareous tubes fastened to shells and rocks in the sea, or even to other animals, such as crabs.--adj. SERP[=U]'LIAN.--n. SER'PULITE, a fossil of the family Serpulidæ.--adjs. SERPULIT'IC, SER'PULOID. [L. serp[)e]re, to creep.]
By Thomas Davidson
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(pl. -ae). Kinds of marine worm inhabiting beautifully coloured tortuous calcareous tubes often massed together. [Latin]
By Sir Augustus Henry