(n) in some classifications considered a separate phylum: microscopic arachnid-like invertebrates living in water or damp moss having 4 pairs of legs and instead of a mouth a pair of stylets or needlelike piercing organs connected with the pharynx, Syn. class Tardigrada
‖n. pl. [ NL. See Tardigrade, a. ] 1. (Zool.) A tribe of edentates comprising the sloths. They are noted for the slowness of their movements when on the ground. See Sloth, 3. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. (Zool.) An order of minute aquatic arachnids; -- called also bear animalcules, sloth animalcules, and water bears. [ 1913 Webster ]