acanthocephalan

The story

1. Ancient Greek · derived fromκεφαλή“head”
2. English todayacanthocephalan

From acantho- + Ancient Greek κεφαλή (kephalḗ, “head”) + -an.

Words from the same roots

First known use, by meaning

• First attested late 19th c. Any of parasitic intestinal worms comprising the phylum Acanthocephala.
• First attested late 19th c. In a manner similar to Acanthocephala.