Helminthology
/ˌhɛlmɪnˈθɒlədʒi/noun
The branch of zoology concerned with parasitic worms and their study.
Did you know?Its first element comes from Ancient Greek helmins, meaning “worm,” especially a parasitic worm; the same root still labels organisms such as helminths today.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἕλμινς (hélmins)
“Worm, particularly a parasitic worm”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἕλμινθος (hélminthos)
“Of a worm; the genitive form supplying the stem helminth-”
Ancient Greek
Greek
λογία (logía)
“The study, account, or systematic treatment of something”
19th Century
Scientific Latin/European usage
Helminthologia
“Scientific study of parasitic worms”
19th Century
English
helminthology
“The zoological study of parasitic worms”
Modern English
English
helminthology
“A specialized field studying helminths, including their anatomy, classification, life cycles, and effects on hosts”