Gnathostoma

/næˈθɒs.tə.mə/ noun

Definition

A parasitic roundworm that infects vertebrate animals, including humans, living in the tissues and causing gnathostomiasis.

Etymology

From Greek gnathos (jaw) plus stoma (mouth), named because the worm has a distinctive hook-armed mouth used for tissue penetration.

Kelly Says

This nasty parasitic worm got its name because its mouth is surrounded by circular rows of hooks that look like a miniature jaw—and it can infect humans who eat undercooked seafood!

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