Polychaeta; polychaetes
Scientific taxonomic term for a class of mostly marine annelid worms, characterized by many bristles. Used in biology and zoology contexts.
Polychaeta includes ragworms and feather duster worms.
Oligochaeta, another class of annelids (e.g., earthworms), contrasting with the many bristles of Polychaeta.
From 多 (many) + 毛 (hair/bristle) + 綱 (class), reflecting the numerous chaetae (bristles) characteristic of this annelid class.