How Do You Spell DIBOTHRIOCEPHALUS?

Pronunciation: [dˈɪbə͡ʊθɹɪˌə͡ʊsfaləs] (IPA)

Dibothriocephalus is a Latin term commonly used in the world of parasitology. The word is spelled phonetically as /daɪˌbɒθrɪəˈsɛfələs/ . The IPA phonetic transcription highlights the pronunciation of each syllable in the word. The term refers to a tapeworm, specifically referring to the genus Diphyllobothrium, which has two suctorial grooves instead of one. Despite its complicated spelling, Dibothriocephalus is an essential term in the medical study of parasitology, particularly in diagnosing and treating tapeworm infections.

DIBOTHRIOCEPHALUS Meaning and Definition

1. Dibothriocephalus is a genus of parasites belonging to the class Cestoda, commonly known as tapeworms. These parasites are characterized by their elongated, flat bodies that can reach lengths of several meters. They are typically found inhabiting the intestines of various vertebrate hosts, including humans and a wide range of animals.

   The name "Dibothriocephalus" is derived from Greek roots, with "di" meaning two, "bothrio" referring to the tapeworm's paired or double grooves on its scolex (head), and "cephalus" meaning head. This name aptly describes one of the defining characteristics of these tapeworms - the presence of two lateral grooves on their scolex.

   Dibothriocephalus species are known to have complex life cycles, involving multiple hosts. They typically start their life cycle as eggs, which are released in the feces of their definitive host (often a fish-eating mammal or bird). Once the eggs are ingested by intermediate hosts, such as fish or crustaceans, they hatch and develop into larvae. These larvae then penetrate the tissues of the intermediate host and form cysts. When the intermediate host is consumed by the definitive host, the larvae are released from the cysts and develop into mature tapeworms in the intestines, where they attach themselves to the intestinal wall using their specialized scolex.

   Infection with Dibothriocephalus tapeworms can lead to various health issues in both animals and humans, including digestive problems, nutrient deficiencies, and in severe cases, intestinal obstruction. Treatment typically involves antiparasitic medications, such as praziquantel, which can effectively kill the tapeworm and eliminate the infection.

2. A genus of Cestoidea or tapeworms; see Bothriocephalus.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for DIBOTHRIOCEPHALUS

• sibothriocephalus
• xibothriocephalus
• cibothriocephalus
• fibothriocephalus
• ribothriocephalus
• eibothriocephalus
• dubothriocephalus
• djbothriocephalus
• dkbothriocephalus
• dobothriocephalus
• d9bothriocephalus
• d8bothriocephalus
• divothriocephalus
• dinothriocephalus
• dihothriocephalus
• digothriocephalus
• dibithriocephalus
• dibkthriocephalus
• diblthriocephalus
• dibpthriocephalus

Etymology of DIBOTHRIOCEPHALUS

The word "Dibothriocephalus" is derived from Greek roots.

The first part, "dibothrio", comes from the Greek word "di-", meaning "two", and "bothrion", which means "pit" or "cavity".

The second part, "cephalus", comes from the Greek word "kephale", meaning "head".

Thus, "Dibothriocephalus" can be translated as "two-pit head" or "head with two cavities", referring to the presence of two suckers on the head of this particular genus of tapeworms.