tapeworm
/'teipwə:m/
Definition
- Noun:
- A parasitic flatworm that lives in the intestines of vertebrates, including humans. It has a long, ribbon-like body composed of segments and typically lacks a digestive system, absorbing nutrients directly from the host's gut.
Usage and Examples
- Noun:
- A tapeworm infection can cause abdominal pain and weight loss.
- The veterinarian diagnosed the dog with a tapeworm.
- Under the microscope, the tapeworm's segments were clearly visible.
Advanced Usage
- Medical/Parasitology Context: The term is used precisely to describe a member of the class Cestoda.
- The life cycle of the tapeworm involves an intermediate host.
- Figurative Use (Informal): Sometimes used metaphorically to describe something that drains resources.
- He referred to the corrupt official as a tapeworm on the economy.
Variants and Related Words
- Cestode (n): The scientific term for a tapeworm.
- Cestodes are characterized by their segmented bodies.
- Proglottid (n): One of the segments that make up a tapeworm's body.
- Each proglottid contains both male and female reproductive organs.
Synonyms
- Intestinal parasite: A general term for parasites living in the intestines.
- Flatworm: A broader biological category (phylum Platyhelminthes) that includes tapeworms.
Related Phrases and Collocations
- Tapeworm infection / Infestation: The condition of having tapeworms.
- Proper cooking of meat helps prevent tapeworm infection.
- Tapeworm segment: A part of the worm's body.
- Tapeworm segments may be seen in the feces of an infected animal.
Noun
-
ribbonlike flatworms that are parasitic in the intestines of humans and other vertebrates
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