SERPULA

Etymology

Noun

serpula (plural serpulas or serpulae)

(zoology) Any of numerous species of tubicolous annelids of the genus Serpula and allied genera of the family Serpulidae that secrete a calcareous tube, usually irregularly contorted, but sometimes spirally coiled, with a wreath of plumelike and often bright-colored gills around its head, and usually an operculum to close the aperture of its tube when it retracts.

Anagrams

• epurals, perusal

Source: Wiktionary

Ser"pu*la, n.; pl. Serpulæ, E. Serpulas. Etym: [L., a little snake. See Serpent.] (Zoöl.)

Definition: Any one of numerous species of tubicolous annelids of the genus Serpula and allied genera of the family Serpulidæ. They secrete a calcareous tube, which is usually irregularly contorted, but is sometimes spirally coiled. The worm has a wreath of plumelike and often bright-colored gills around its head, and usually an operculum to close the aperture of its tube when it retracts.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition