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

Chyluria occurs most frequently as a symptom of infection by Filaria sanguinis hominis.

From Project Gutenberg

It has been mistaken for Strongyloides intestinalis and for Filaria sanguinis hominis.

From Project Gutenberg

Hooklets and scolices of Tnia echinococcus (Fig. 55) and embryos of Filaria sanguinis hominis have been met.

From Project Gutenberg

The longitudinal type characterises such genera as Vibrio, Filaria, Gordius, and all the annulate animals.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg