Pronunciation: [sˈɜːpjʊlə] (IPA) 
The word "Serpula" is spelled with the letters S-E-R-P-U-L-A. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /sərˈpjuːlə/. The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, followed by a stressed 'pju' sound which represents the letters 'p' and 'u' together. The final syllable is pronounced with an 'luh' sound, represented by the letter 'l' and a schwa. This word refers to a type of marine worm with a coiled and tube-like shell.
Serpula is a noun that refers to a type of marine worm belonging to the family Serpulidae, commonly known as the serpulids. Serpulids are tube-dwelling polychaete worms that live in marine environments, mostly attached to hard substrates such as rocks, shells, or coral reefs. The word "serpula" is derived from the Latin term for "serpent," owing to the worm's long, coiled tubular shape resembling a snake.
These worms secrete a calcareous tube made of calcium carbonate, which they use as a protective shelter. The serpulids construct their tubes by gathering sediment particles and binding them together with mucus. The tubes can vary in size and shape depending on the species, but they typically have a coiled appearance, with one end attached to the substrate and the other end open for the worm to extend its feeding appendages.
Serpula worms are filter feeders, meaning they extract food particles from the water by using specialized appendages called radioles. The radioles, which are covered with a ciliated membrane, capture tiny organic particles and plankton as the water flows through the tube, allowing the worm to obtain nutrients.
Serpulids are widely distributed across the world's oceans, from shallow coastal waters to deep-sea habitats. They play an essential ecological role, as their tubes provide habitat and substrate for various other organisms, including small crustaceans, mollusks, and algae. Moreover, serpulids have biological importance in areas such as biofouling, where their tube-building activities can impact man-made structures like ship hulls or underwater pipes.
A genus of annelids, deriving their name from the tortuous and twisted tubes they inhabit, found on every shore, incrusting stones, rocks, shells, drift-wood, sea-weeds, &c.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Serpula" originates from the Latin term "serpula", which means "little snake" or "serpent". The Latin term is derived from the Latin word "serpens", meaning "snake" or "serpent". This name was given to a genus of marine polychaete worm due to its coiled or snake-like appearance.
