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Glite Dictionary
echinococcus

echinococcus

9.9
A small flat worm whose larvae live in people and animals and make cysts in the liver
  • noun
  • /ˌɛkɪnəˈkɒkəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : echinococo
  • The liver cyst was caused by an echinococcus infection.

Examples

  • Farmers are at risk of contracting diseases from echinococcus larvae in livestock.

  • Doctors identified the presence of echinococcus during the ultrasound examination.

  • The echinococcus is a dangerous parasite.

  • Many echinococci can infect livestock.

  • The doctor diagnosed the patient with an echinococcus infection after reviewing the medical tests.

  • Farm animals are often treated to prevent echinococcus larvae from infecting them.

  • Research shows that echinococcus can lead to serious health issues in humans if left untreated.

Surface Forms

echinococcus singular
echinococci plural

Morphology

echinococcus = coccus (opaque) = echino + coccus

Specialist taxonomic combining forms are technical and not transparently understood by average learners.

Etymology

Echinococcus comes from the Greek parts echinos ('hedgehog' or 'sea urchin') and kokkos ('berry' or 'seed'), because the parasite's larval cysts can look like small spiny lumps. So, the name helps you remember that echinococcus is a tiny tapeworm that makes cysts in the liver and other organs.