nə̇ˈrēəˌdē noun plural
Usage: capitalized
Etymology: New Latin, from Nereis, type genus + -idae
: a large family of predaceous marine polychaete worms that have an elongated many-segmented body with large complex parapodia on most segments and a well-defined head with paired tentacles and palps, four prostomial eyes, eight peristomial cirri, and large jaws which bite transversely and that include burrowing and free-swimming forms — see nereis