giardia

noun

giar·​dia jē-ˈär-dē-ə How to pronounce giardia (audio) ˈjär- How to pronounce giardia (audio)
: any of a genus (Giardia) of flagellate protozoans inhabiting the intestines of various mammals and including one (G. lamblia synonym G. intestinalis) that is associated with diarrhea in humans

Examples of giardia in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Secondary lactase deficiency can happen after an infection with rotavirus or giardia. — Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2025 Puppies had infections and diseases such as giardia, hookworm and parvovirus, Glass said. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of giardia was in 1918

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“Giardia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/giardia. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

giardia

noun
giar·​dia jē-ˈär-dē-ə How to pronounce giardia (audio) ˈjär- How to pronounce giardia (audio)
1
capitalized : a genus of flagellate protozoans inhabiting the intestines of various mammals and including one (G. lamblia synonym G. intestinalis) that is associated with diarrhea in humans
2
: any flagellate of the genus Giardia
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