miracidium

[ mahy-ruh-sid-ee-uhm ]

noun

, plural mi·ra·cid·i·a [mahy-r, uh, -, sid, -ee-, uh].

1. the larva that hatches from the egg of a trematode worm or fluke.

miracidium

/ ˌmaɪrəˈsɪdɪəm /

noun

1. the flat ciliated larva of flukes that hatches from the egg and gives rise asexually to other larval forms

Derived Forms

• ˌmiraˈcidial, adjective

Other Words From

• mira·cidi·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of miracidium¹

1895–1900; < New Latin, equivalent to mirac- (< Greek meirak- (stem of meîrax ) boy, girl) + -idium -idium

Word History and Origins

Origin of miracidium¹

C20: New Latin, via Late Latin miracidion, from Greek meirax boy, girl

Example Sentences

If it successfully penetrates a snail, the miracidium reproduces asexually and produces thousands of new forms called “cercariae,” which then leave the snail and have 12 hours to find the final host.

From Washington Post