Definition

Noun: A sea mouse is any of several types of large marine worms that have a broad, flattened body. Its most distinctive feature is a dense, mat-like covering of coarse, often iridescent hairs (setae) along its back.

Usage and Examples

• The sea mouse burrows into the seafloor, and its bristly back can shimmer with colors.
• Scientists were surprised to find a sea mouse during their deep-sea exploration.
• The iridescent hairs of the sea mouse can appear to change color in the light.

Advanced Usage

• The term is used specifically in marine biology and zoology to refer to worms of the genus and related genera within the family Aphroditidae.
• The iridescent quality of the hairs is a structural color, created by the physical structure of the hairs rather than by pigments.

Variants and Related Words

• Polychaete (n): The broader class of segmented marine worms to which the sea mouse belongs. All sea mice are polychaetes.
• Aphroditid (n): A member of the family Aphroditidae; a technical synonym for a sea mouse.

Synonyms

• Marine bristle worm (general category)
• Aphroditid worm (scientific)

Notes on Meaning

The name "sea mouse" is derived from the animal's vague, oval-shaped resemblance to a small, furry rodent when viewed from above, though it is an invertebrate worm.

Noun

1. any of several large worms having a broad flattened body with a mat of coarse hairs covering the back