DIGENETIC Meaning and
Definition
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Digenetic is an adjective that originates from the field of biology, specifically parasitology. It describes a lifecycle of a parasite that involves two different hosts in order to complete its life cycle.
The term "digenetic" derives from the combination of two Greek words: "di," meaning "two," and "genesis," meaning "origin" or "birth." Therefore, in relation to parasitic organisms, it refers to a complex lifecycle where two distinct hosts are involved.
In this type of lifecycle, a digenetic parasite starts its development in one host, referred to as the intermediate host, and then transfers to another host called the definitive host to conclude its life cycle. The intermediate host typically acts as a temporary or asexual host for the parasite, allowing it to undergo specific developmental stages or reproduce asexually. On the other hand, the definitive host is usually the host where sexual reproduction and the production of eggs or infective stages occur.
Examples of digenetic parasites include the liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica), which infects cattle and sheep as the definitive host, and snails as the intermediate host. The tapeworm (Taenia saginata) is another example, where cows are the definitive hosts, and humans become the intermediate hosts. It is worth noting that not all parasites have a digenetic lifecycle, as some may only require a single host to complete their life cycle.
In conclusion, digenetic is an adjective used to describe the complex lifecycle of parasites that involve two separate hosts to reproduce and complete their life cycles.
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Relating to or marked by digenesis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DIGENETIC
- sigenetic
- xigenetic
- cigenetic
- figenetic
- rigenetic
- dugenetic
- djgenetic
- dkgenetic
- dogenetic
- d9genetic
- d8genetic
- difenetic
- divenetic
- dibenetic
- dihenetic
- diyenetic
- ditenetic
- digwnetic
- digsnetic
- digdnetic
Etymology of DIGENETIC
The word "digenetic" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "di-" and "genetikos".
1. "Di-" is a prefix in Greek meaning "two" or "double".
2. "Genetikos" is derived from the Greek word for "birth" or "origin", which is "genetikḗ". It is related to the verb "gígnomai", meaning "to be born" or "to become".
When combined, "di-" and "genetikos" form "digenetic", which refers to a life cycle that involves two successive generations or distinct stages, commonly seen in the context of parasites with complex life cycles.
Similar spelling words for DIGENETIC
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