Definition

Noun: - An infection of the intestines caused by a microscopic parasite (Giardia lamblia) commonly found in contaminated food or water. The condition is characterized by symptoms including diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, and abdominal discomfort.

Usage

• Medical/Health Context: Used to name a specific parasitic disease.
  • The hiker contracted giardiasis after drinking untreated stream water.
  • Public health officials issued a warning about giardiasis following the water contamination incident.

Advanced Usage

• Epidemiological Context: Used when discussing the spread or study of the disease.
  • The research paper analyzed the prevalence of giardiasis in daycare centers.

Variants and Related Words

• Giardia (noun): The genus name of the protozoan parasite that causes the infection.
  • The water test was positive for Giardia cysts.

Synonyms

• Beaver fever (noun, informal): A colloquial term for giardiasis, often used in North America.
  • He's out sick with what they call beaver fever.

Noun

1. infection of the intestines with protozoa found in contaminated food and water; characterized by diarrhea and nausea and flatulence and abdominal discomfort