1. acanthocephalan - Noun
2. acanthocephalan - Adjective
any of various worms living parasitically in intestines of vertebrates having a retractile proboscis covered with many hooked spines
Source: WordNetHaving been expelled by the female, the acanthocephalan egg is released along with the feces of the host. Source: Internet
Tada I, Otsuji Y, Kamiya H, Mimori T, Sakaguchi Y, Makizumi S (1983) The first case of a human infected with an acanthocephalan parasite, Bolbosoma sp.. Source: Internet
This modification of gammarid behavior by the acanthocephalan is thought to increase the rate of transmission of the parasite to its next host by increasing the susceptibility of the gammarid to predation. Source: Internet