miracidium

noun

mi·​ra·​cid·​i·​um ˌmir-ə-ˈsi-dē-əm How to pronounce miracidium (audio)
ˌmī-rə-
plural miracidia ˌmir-ə-ˈsi-dē-ə How to pronounce miracidium (audio)
ˌmī-rə-
: 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
miracidial adjective

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of miracidium was in 1898

Dictionary Entries Near miracidium

Cite this Entry

“Miracidium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/miracidium. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

miracidium

noun
mi·​ra·​cid·​i·​um ˌmir-ə-ˈsid-ē-əm How to pronounce miracidium (audio) ˌmī-rə- How to pronounce miracidium (audio)
plural miracidia -ē-ə How to pronounce miracidium (audio)
: 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
miracidial adjective

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