Echinococcus
/ˌɛkɪnoʊˈkɒkəs/noun
A genus of parasitic tapeworms whose larval stages can cause hydatid disease in humans and other animals.
Did you know?The name refers to the tapeworm’s rounded, hook-bearing appearance under magnification, while its larvae can form fluid-filled hydatid cysts in organs such as the liver and lungs.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₁eǵʰis
“Snake or serpent; a proposed ancient root associated with Greek forms for snake-like or spiny creatures”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἐχῖνος (ekhînos)
“Hedgehog, sea urchin, or other spiny creature”
Ancient Greek
Greek
κόκκος (kókkos)
“Grain, seed, or small berry”
19th Century
New Latin
Echinococcus
“A zoological genus name combining “spiny creature” and “berry””
Modern English
English
Echinococcus
“A genus of parasitic tapeworms, including species responsible for hydatid disease”
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