Trichinella
/ˌtrɪkɪˈnɛlə/noun
A genus of parasitic roundworms that can cause trichinosis in humans and other animals.
Did you know?Trichinella was named from Greek roots meaning “hair-like,” a reminder that scientific names can sound mystical while describing something very real and microscopic.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
thrix, trich-
“hair”
18th Century
Latinized scientific
trichina
“a hair-like object; later used for the tiny parasitic worm”
1830s
Latinized scientific
Trichinella
“a diminutive form applied to the small hair-like parasite genus”
Modern English
English
trichinella
“a genus of parasitic nematodes, especially those causing trichinosis”
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