cysticercus

noun

cys·​ti·​cer·​cus ˌsi-stə-ˈsər-kəs How to pronounce cysticercus (audio)
plural cysticerci ˌsi-stə-ˈsər-ˌsī How to pronounce cysticercus (audio)
-ˌkī
: a tapeworm larva that consists of a fluid-filled sac containing an invaginated scolex and is situated in the tissues of an intermediate host

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from cyst- + Greek kerkos tail

First Known Use

circa 1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cysticercus was circa 1871

Browse Nearby Words

cysticercosis
cysticercus
cystic fibrosis
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cysticercus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cysticercus. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

cysticercus

noun
cys·​ti·​cer·​cus -ˈsər-kəs How to pronounce cysticercus (audio)
plural cysticerci -ˈsər-ˌsī, -ˌkī How to pronounce cysticercus (audio)
: a tapeworm larva that consists of a fluid-filled sac containing an invaginated scolex, is situated in the tissues of an intermediate host, and is capable of developing into an adult tapeworm when eaten by a suitable definitive host

called also bladder worm, measle

cysticercal
-ˈsər-kəl How to pronounce cysticercus (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on cysticercus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cysticercus

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