filaria

[ fi-lair-ee-uh ]

noun

, plural fi·lar·i·ae [fi-, lair, -ee-ee].

1. any small, threadlike roundworm of the family Filariidae and related families, carried as a larva by mosquitoes and parasitic when adult in the blood or tissues of vertebrates.

filaria

/ fɪˈlɛərɪə /

noun

1. any parasitic nematode worm of the family Filariidae , living in the blood and tissues of vertebrates and transmitted by insects: the cause of filariasis

filaria

/ fə-lâr′ē-ə /

, Plural filariae fə-lâr′ē-ē′

1. Any of various slender, threadlike nematode worms of the superfamily Filarioidea that are parasitic in vertebrates and are often transmitted as larvae by mosquitoes and other biting insects. The adult form lives in the blood and lymphatic tissues and can cause inflammation and obstruction of lymphatic vessels.

Derived Forms

• fiˈlarial, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of filaria¹

< New Latin (1787), equivalent to Latin fīl ( um ) thread + -āria -aria

Word History and Origins

Origin of filaria¹

C19: New Latin (former name of genus), from Latin fīlum thread

Example Sentences

But University of Tokyo veterinarians examining his innards said Wednesday that they found Hachiko had terminal cancer and also a filaria infection - worms.

From Seattle Times

The elephantiasis due to filaria is spread by the agency of mosquitoes, in whose bodies the intermediate stage is passed.

From Project Gutenberg

The researchers said closantel, used to fight liver fluke in cattle and sheep, showed promise at disrupting the life cycle of the filaria worm.

From Reuters

This latter change is associated specially with some forms of asthma, with certain skin diseases, and with the presence of animal parasites in the body, such as ankylostoma and filaria.

From Project Gutenberg

The gravel had long disappeared under green burclover and filaria, thickly dotted with the little yellow clover blossoms, the lilac ones of the filaria, and with small blue gilias.

From Project Gutenberg