acanthocephalans; thorny-headed worms
A taxonomic term for a phylum of parasitic worms with a spiny proboscis. Used in biology and parasitology contexts.
Acanthocephalans parasitize the intestines of fish and birds.
From 鉤頭 (こうとう, 'hook head') + 虫 (ちゅう, 'worm') + 類 (るい, 'group'), referring to the spiny proboscis characteristic of this phylum.