giardiasis

[ jee-ahr-dahy-uh-sis, jahr- ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. an intestinal disorder characterized by abdominal discomfort and prolonged, intermittent diarrhea, caused by the protozoan Giardia lamblia and contracted by drinking untreated water, as of streams or ponds, contaminated with the feces of infected animals.

giardiasis

/ ˌdʒaɪɑːˈdaɪəsɪs /

noun

1. infection with the parasitic protozoan Giardia lamblia , which can cause severe diarrhoea

giardiasis

/ jē′är-dī′ə-sĭs /

1. An intestinal infection caused by the protozoan Giardia lamblia. It is usually asymptomatic in humans but can cause diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramping. Giardiasis is most commonly transmitted by contaminated water and by direct contact among individuals in group settings.

Word History and Origins

Origin of giardiasis¹

First recorded in 1915–20; giardia, -asis