Cercariform

/sɜrˈkɛrɪfɔrm/ adjective

Definition

Having the shape or form of a cercaria; resembling a cercaria with a tail-like appendage.

Etymology

From cercaria plus the Latin suffix -form, meaning 'having the form of.' This descriptive term applies to organisms or structures that resemble the cercarial larval stage.

Kelly Says

Cercariform is a great example of how scientific naming works—if something looks like a cercaria (tail and all), scientists just add '-form' to describe it, making a single word that tells you exactly what shape it is.

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