Hematozoon

/ˌhɛmətəˈzoʊɒn/ noun

Definition

A single parasitic organism or animal that lives and reproduces in the blood.

Etymology

From Greek haima (blood) + zoon (animal), singular form. This was one of the first scientific terms created specifically for blood parasites when microscopy revealed their existence.

Kelly Says

Some hematozoa are so tiny that a single drop of blood can contain millions of them—yet a single organism is enough to cause serious illness! It's amazing that something invisible to the naked eye can transform a person's entire life.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.