hemi·chor·date
ˌhe-mi-ˈkȯr-dət 
-ˈkȯr-ˌdāt
: any of a phylum (Hemichordata) of wormlike marine animals (such as an acorn worm) that have in the proboscis an outgrowth of the pharyngeal wall which superficially resembles the notochord of chordates
Hemi·chordata
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: a division of Chordata usually considered both subphylum and class, including the Enteropneusta and Pterobranchia and in some classifications the Phoronidea, and comprising a group of vermiform marine animals that have in the proboscis an outgrowth of the pharyngeal wall which suggests and is probably homologous with the notochord of higher chordates
Cite this Entry
“Hemichordate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hemichordate. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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