acanthocephalan acanthocephalan /əˌkænθoʊˈsɛfələn/

noun

1. Any of various worms living parasitically in intestines of vertebrates having a retractile proboscis covered with many hooked spines  ( acanthocephalan , spiny-headed worm )
   any of various worms living parasitically in intestines of vertebrates having a retractile proboscis covered with many hooked spines