microfilaria

[ mahy-kroh-fi-lair-ee-uh ]
/ ˌmaɪ kroʊ fɪˈlɛər i ə /

noun, plural mi·cro·fi·lar·i·ae [mahy-kroh-fi-lair-ee-ee] /ˌmaɪ kroʊ fɪˈlɛər iˌi/.

the embryonic larva of the nematode parasite Filaria or of related genera, especially of those species that cause heartworm in dogs and elephantiasis in humans.

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Origin of microfilaria

From New Latin, dating back to 1875–80; see origin at micro-, filaria

Words nearby microfilaria

microfibre, microfibril, microfiche, microfilament, microfilaremia, microfilaria, microfilm, microfilm plotter, microfilter, microflora, microform
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for microfilaria

microfilaria
/ (ˌmaɪkrəʊfɪˈlɛərɪə) /

noun plural -iae (-ɪˌiː)

zoology the early larval stage of certain parasitic nematodes (filariae), found in the blood of infected individuals
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for microfilaria

microfilaria
[ mī′krō-fə-lâr′ē-ə ]

n. pl. mi•cro•fi•lar•i•ae (-ē-ē′)

The minute larval form of a filarial worm.

Other words from microfilaria

mi′cro•fi•lar′i•al adj.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.