Acanthocephala n 1: phylum or class of elongated wormlike parasites that live in the intestines of vertebrates: spiny-headed worms [syn: {Acanthocephala}, {phylum Acanthocephala}]
Acanthocephala \A*can`tho*ceph"a*la\, n. pl. [NL., from Gr. ? a spine, thorn + ? head.] (Zool.) A group of intestinal worms, having the proboscis armed with recurved spines. [1913 Webster]