miracidium

mi·ra·cid·i·um

noun \ˌmir-ə-ˈsi-dē-əm, ˌmī-rə-\

plural mi·ra·cid·ia\-dē-ə\

Definition of MIRACIDIUM

: the free-swimming ciliated first larva of a digenetic trematode that seeks out and penetrates a suitable snail intermediate host in which it develops into a sporocyst

— mi·ra·cid·i·al \-dē-əl\ adjective

Origin of MIRACIDIUM

New Latin, from Greek meirak-, meirax youth, stripling + New Latin -idium

First Known Use: 1898