noun
- A phylum of parasitic or free-living flatworms, including tapeworms and flukes, characterized by a flattened body and simple nervous system.
Usage: plural form; singular is platyhelminth; scientific/biological term; also called flatworms
Examples
- Platyhelminths are among the simplest animals with bilateral symmetry.
- Many platyhelminths are parasites that infect humans and other animals.
- The study of platyhelminths is important in understanding parasitic diseases.
- Some platyhelminths live freely in freshwater environments.
- Tapeworms and flukes are examples of parasitic platyhelminths.
- Biologists classify platyhelminths into several groups based on their characteristics.