lytta

[ lit-uh ]

noun

, plural lyt·tas, lyt·tae [lit, -ee].

1. a long, worm-shaped cartilage in the tongue of the dog and other carnivorous animals.

lytta

/ ˈlɪtə /

noun

1. a rodlike mass of cartilage beneath the tongue in the dog and other carnivores

Word History and Origins

Origin of lytta¹

1595–1605; < New Latin < Greek lýtta, Attic form of lýssa rage, rabies; so named because the cartilage was thought to be a parasite causing rabies

Word History and Origins

Origin of lytta¹

C17: New Latin, from Greek lussa madness; in dogs, it was believed to be a cause of rabies

Example Sentences

The latter clearly describes the disease and uses the name lytta, but, singularly enough, claims for man an exemption from the general susceptibility to the infection by inoculation.1 From that date to this the successive outbreaks, sufficiently noteworthy to secure a place in history, are so numerous and widespread as to show a continuous prevalence of the malady in the Old World, and, since the early part of the eighteenth century, in the New.

From Project Gutenberg

The mischief that has frequently arisen from the exhibition of the Lytta vesicatoria has been observed and recorded by every medical practitioner.

From Project Gutenberg

Unwormed, un-wurmd′, adj. not wormed, not having had the worm or lytta under the tongue cut out—of a dog.

From Project Gutenberg

Lytta, lit′a, n. a longitudinal vermiform cartilaginous or fibrous band on the under surface of the tongue in carnivores—the 'worm' of a dog's tongue.

From Project Gutenberg

These Blister-flies belong to the genus Lytta, and are used as a substitute for the Spanish-fly of Europe, as they are possessed of blistering qualities in no mean degree.

From Project Gutenberg