balantidium

noun

bal·​an·​tid·​i·​um ˌbal-ən-ˈtid-ē-əm How to pronounce balantidium (audio)
1
capitalized : a genus of large parasitic ciliate protozoans (order Heterotricha) including one (B. coli) that infests the intestines of some mammals and especially swine and may cause a chronic ulcerative dysentery in humans
2
plural balantidia -ē-ə How to pronounce balantidium (audio) : a protozoan of the genus Balantidium
balantidial adjective
or balantidic

Dictionary Entries Near balantidium

Cite this Entry

“Balantidium.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/balantidium. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!