Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

metacercaria

[met-uh-ser-kair-ee-uh]
noun, plural met·a·cer·car·i·ae [met-uh-ser-kair-ee-ee] /ˌmɛt ə sərˈkɛər iˌi/. Zoology.
  1. the encysted larva of a trematode, usually found in or on an aquatic intermediate host.
Show More
Compare cercaria.

Origin of metacercaria

From New Latin, dating back to 1925–30; see origin at meta-, cercaria
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
metacercaria in Medicine

metacercaria

(mĕt′ə-sər-kăr′ē-ə)
n. pl. met•a•cer•car•i•ae (-ē-ē′)
  1. The encysted maturing stage of a trematode in its intermediate host prior to transfer to the definitive host, usually representing the organism's infectious stage.
Show More
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.