trypanosome

[ trih-pan-uh-sohm, trip-uh-nuh- ]

noun

1. any minute, flagellate protozoan of the genus Trypanosoma, parasitic in the blood or tissues of humans and other vertebrates, usually transmitted by insects, often causing serious diseases, as African sleeping sickness in humans, and many diseases in domestic animals.

trypanosome

/ ˈtrɪpənəˌsəʊm; ˌtrɪpənəˈsɒmɪk /

noun

1. any parasitic flagellate protozoan of the genus Trypanosoma , which lives in the blood of vertebrates, is transmitted by certain insects, and causes sleeping sickness and certain other diseases

trypanosome

/ trĭ-păn′ə-sōm′ /

1. Any of various parasitic flagellate protozoans of the genus Trypanosoma that can cause serious diseases, such as sleeping sickness. They are transmitted by the bite of certain insects, such as tsetse flies.

Derived Forms

• ˌtrypanoˈsomal, adjective

Other Words From

• try·pano·somal try·pan·o·som·ic [trih-pan-, uh, -, som, -ik, trip-, uh, -n, uh, -], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of trypanosome¹

1900–05; < Greek trȳpano- (combining form of trȳ́panon borer) + -some ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of trypanosome¹

C19: from New Latin Trypanosoma , from Greek trupanon borer + sōma body

Example Sentences

The trypanosome lives in the blood of wild game and of rats without producing mischief.

From Project Gutenberg

This disease is caused by a Protozoan parasite, a trypanosome, which is transmitted from one host to another by the tsetse-fly.

From Project Gutenberg

It is a matter of great interest that a trypanosome has been found in a death-stricken herd of European bison.

From Project Gutenberg

Its connection with the trypanosome-bearing insects was as yet unsuspected, and, to me, its symptoms were absolutely unknown.

From Project Gutenberg

The trypanosome diseases form the best example of this mode of transmission.

From Project Gutenberg