Entozoon

/ˌɛntəˈzoʊɒn/ noun

Definition

A parasitic worm or organism that lives inside the body of an animal host.

Etymology

Greek 'entos' (inside) + 'zoon' (animal). This singular form was commonly used in 19th-century scientific literature before 'parasite' became the standard modern term.

Kelly Says

The plural 'entozoa' appears in Darwin's journals—naturalists were fascinated and horrified by these hidden creatures, which seemed to challenge their understanding of how life organized itself.

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