Symphyla \Sym*phy"la\, n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. sy`n with + ? a clan.]

(Zo["o]l.) An order of small apterous insects having an elongated body, with three pairs of thoracic and about nine pairs of abdominal legs. They are, in many respects, intermediate between myriapods and true insects.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)