Ankylostoma

/ˌæŋkɪloʊˈstoʊmə/ noun

A genus of parasitic hookworms that attach to the intestines of humans and animals, causing severe anemia and malnutrition.

From Greek 'ankylos' (curved, stiff) + 'stoma' (mouth). Parasitologists named this worm genus for the curved shape of the worm's mouth structure, which hooks onto intestinal walls with remarkable tenacity.

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