Pronunciation: [ɹˈɪbən wˈɜːm] (IPA) 
Ribbon worm is a marine worm with a long and flattened body, which resembles a ribbon. Its spelling is derived from the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈrɪbən wɔrm/. The first syllable "rib" is pronounced as in the word "rib" and the second syllable "bon" is pronounced as "bawn". The letters "o" and "i" in "ribbon" are pronounced together as "ɪ". Similarly, the word "worm" is pronounced as "wərm", where the "o" is pronounced as "ə".
A ribbon worm is a type of invertebrate belonging to the phylum Nemertea, also known as the phylum Rhynchocoela. These slim and elongated creatures are characterized by their soft and flexible bodies, which resemble ribbons or flattened tubes, varying in length from a few millimeters to several meters. Ribbon worms exhibit a wide range of colors, including shades of brown, green, and pink, often having distinct patterns or markings on their skin.
The body structure of a ribbon worm consists of an outer layer of ciliated cells for locomotion and sensory perception, an inner layer of muscle cells for movement, and a fluid-filled cavity in between. They possess a proboscis, a long and retractable feeding organ that can be extended to capture prey and inject venomous substances for immobilization.
Living in marine environments, ribbon worms are typically found in shallow waters, mud flats, or sandy bottoms, although some species can also inhabit freshwater environments. They are voracious predators, preying on small invertebrates like crustaceans, worms, and mollusks, but they can also scavenge on decaying organic matter. Some ribbon worms are known for their ability to capture prey much larger than themselves, using their flexibility and unique feeding strategies.
Ribbon worms reproduce both sexually and asexually, with some species exhibiting remarkable regenerative abilities. They possess well-developed nervous systems and are capable of basic sensory responses. Although not commonly studied, ribbon worms play a significant ecological role in marine ecosystems and contribute to the biodiversity of our planet.
The word "ribbon worm" is a compound word that consists of "ribbon" and "worm".
1. Ribbon: The word "ribbon" originated from Old French "riban" or "ribon", which referred to a strip of cloth used for decoration or tying. It ultimately traces back to the Latin word "ribanus", meaning a fillet or band. The sense of "ribbon" referring to a narrow strip has been extended to describe long, slender, and flexible objects with a similar shape.
2. Worm: The word "worm" stems from Old English "wyrm", which was initially used to describe legless, elongated creatures, including serpents, dragons, and other mythical creatures. The Old English term "wyrm" has Germanic roots and is related to the Old High German word "wurm" and Old Norse word "ormr", both meaning "serpent" or "dragon".
