acanthocephalan; thorny-headed worm; spiny-headed worm
A phylum of parasitic worms with a spiny proboscis. Used in biological contexts.
Acanthocephalans parasitize the intestines of fish and birds.
From 鉤頭 (こうとう, 'hook head') + 動物 (どうぶつ, 'animal'), referring to the hooked proboscis.