Haustella

/hɔːˈstelə/ noun

Definition

Plural of haustellum; small sucker-like or tubular mouth structures found on certain parasitic organisms like leeches or tapeworms.

Etymology

From Latin 'haustellum,' diminutive of 'haustus' (drawn), referring to structures used for drawing or sucking up; a technical term in zoology and parasitology.

Kelly Says

Parasites have these tiny sucker-mouths called haustella—it's a creepy but brilliant adaptation that lets worms and leeches attach and feed, and scientists named it using Latin to sound properly scientific about something gross.

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