giardia

noun

giar·​dia jē-ˈär-dē-ə  ˈjär- 

: any of a genus (Giardia) of flagellate protozoans inhabiting the intestines of various mammals and including one (G. duodenalis synonym G. intestinalis) that is associated with diarrhea in humans

Examples of giardia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The final step is ultraviolet disinfection, which uses high-intensity ultraviolet light to kill or inactivate viruses and parasites, such as giardia. — Piper Heath, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Clean up dog poop promptly; keep up with veterinary care and parasite prevention; and clean the bowls, bedding, crates, and toys of a pet being treated for giardia. — Angela Haupt, Time, 12 Aug. 2026

Avoid swallowing water or getting it up your nose while swimming to lower your risk of giardia and other waterborne parasites. — Justin Laube, EverydayHealth.com, 1 June 2026

Other issues included structural repair problems and puppies that had to be treated for giardia, an intestinal infection that can spread to humans. — Clark Kauffman, Iowa Capital Dispatch, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Alfred M. Giard †1908 French biologist

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for giardia

• ardea
• cardia
• bradycardia
• tachycardia
• nocardia

Medical Definition

giardia

noun

giar·​dia jē-ˈär-dē-ə  ˈjär- 

1

capitalized : a genus of flagellate protozoans inhabiting the intestines of various mammals and including one (G. duodenalis synonym G. intestinalis) that is associated with diarrhea in humans

2

: any flagellate of the genus Giardia