Balantidium

/bæˈlænˈtɪdiəm/ noun

A genus of parasitic single-celled organisms (protozoans) that can infect the intestines of humans and other animals.

Modern scientific Latin name, likely combining Greek 'balanos' (acorn) with 'cidium' (a diminutive form), referring to the acorn-shaped appearance of the organism under a microscope.

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