hydatid

noun

hy·​da·​tid ˈhī-də-təd How to pronounce hydatid (audio)
-ˌtid
: the larval cyst of a tapeworm (genus Echinococcus) occurring as a fluid-filled sac containing daughter cysts in which scolices develop

Examples of hydatid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Human echinococcosis, also known as hydatidosis or hydatid disease, is caused by the larval stages of the tapeworm. Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 29 Apr. 2014

Word History

Etymology

Greek hydatid-, hydatis watery cyst, from hydat-, hydōr

First Known Use

1683, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydatid was in 1683

Dictionary Entries Near hydatid

Cite this Entry

“Hydatid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydatid. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

hydatid

noun
hy·​da·​tid ˈhīd-ə-təd, -ˌtid How to pronounce hydatid (audio)
1
: the larval cyst of a tapeworm of the genus Echinococcus that usually occurs as a fluid-filled sac containing daughter cysts in which scolices develop but that occasionally forms a proliferating spongy mass which actively metastasizes in the host's tissues

called also hydatid cyst

see echinococcus sense 1
2
a
: an abnormal cyst or cystic structure
especially : hydatidiform mole
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