medicinal leech

noun

1. a bloodsucking leech, Hirudo medicinalis, of Europe, introduced into the northeastern United States, usually green with brown stripes, up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) long: once used by physicians to bleed patients.

medicinal leech

noun

1. a large European freshwater leech, Hirudo medicinalis, formerly used in medical bloodletting

Word History and Origins

Origin of medicinal leech¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

The medicinal leech - once used across Europe for bloodletting treatments - has been found in three ponds near Carrick Shore on the Solway Coast.

From BBC

It’s the first time since 1975 a new medicinal leech species has been found in North America.

From Washington Post

The leeches were identified as Hirudo verbana, one of only two species of medicinal leech that come under regulations aimed at controlling wildlife trade.

From BBC

In Russia, a medicinal leech costs less than $1, and a typical application requires three to seven of the ravenous little creatures.

From Seattle Times

The medicinal leech, was, however, once pretty common in the lakes and pools of the north of England.

From Project Gutenberg