Definition

1. Noun:
   • A taxonomic class of enigmatic small elongated wormlike terrestrial invertebrates: These creatures inhabit damp, dark environments in warm regions. They are distinct from the phylum Annelida (segmented worms) and are sometimes described as a "missing link" between arthropods (e.g., insects, spiders) and annelids due to their combination of features.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The class Onychophora, which includes velvet worms, is of great interest to evolutionary biologists.
  • Fossil evidence suggests that the class Onychophora has ancient origins.

Advanced Usage

• In scientific taxonomy: The term "class Onychophora" is used formally in biological classification to group all species of velvet worms.
  • The unique characteristics of the class Onychophora place it in its own phylum, Onychophora.

Variants and Related Words

• Onychophoran (n): An individual animal belonging to the class Onychophora; a velvet worm.
  • An onychophoran captures its prey by shooting sticky slime.
• Velvet worm (n): The common name for organisms in the class Onychophora, referring to their soft, velvety appearance.
  • We found a velvet worm under the decaying log.

Synonyms

• Velvet worms (common name)
• Peripatus (an older taxonomic name sometimes used for the group or its genera)

Related Terms (Scientific Context)

• Phylum Onychophora: In some classification systems, Onychophora is treated as its own phylum rather than a class.
• Lobopodia: Refers to the stubby, unjointed legs characteristic of these animals.

Noun

1. enigmatic small elongated wormlike terrestrial invertebrates of damp dark habitats in warm regions; distinct from the phylum Annelida; resemble slugs with legs and are sometimes described as the missing link between arthropods and annelids