trypanosome

try·pano·some

noun \tri-ˈpa-nə-ˌsōm\

Definition of TRYPANOSOME

: any of a genus (Trypanosoma) of parasitic flagellate protozoans that infest the blood of various vertebrates including humans, are usually transmitted by the bite of an insect, and include some that cause serious diseases (as sleeping sickness and Chagas' disease)

Origin of TRYPANOSOME

New Latin Trypanosoma, from Greek trypanon auger + New Latin -soma -some — more at trepan

First Known Use: 1903