How Do You Spell POROCEPHALUS CLAVATUS?

Pronunciation: [pˈɔːɹə͡ʊsfˌaləs klˈavatəs] (IPA)

Porocephalus clavatus is a species of parasitic worm found in the intestines of reptiles. The spelling of this word can be explained by using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. Porocephalus is pronounced /pɒrəʊˈsɛfələs/ with the stress on the second syllable. Clavatus is pronounced /kləˈveɪtəs/ with the stress on the first syllable. The word Porocephalus is derived from the Greek words poros meaning 'pore' and cephalos meaning 'head', while clavatus comes from the Latin word clava meaning 'club'. Together, they describe the shape of this worm's head and body.

POROCEPHALUS CLAVATUS Meaning and Definition

1. Porocephalus clavatus is a species of parasitic worm that belongs to the phylum Pentastomida. It is commonly known as the "tongue worm" due to its resemblance to a forked tongue, and it resides in the nasal passages of various reptiles and birds. The specific name "clavatus" refers to its club-shaped body, which is a distinguishing feature of this species.

   These parasitic worms have a cylindrical body that tapers towards both ends, with the anterior end being more narrow and conical. Porocephalus clavatus possesses hook-like mouthparts that it uses to attach itself to the lining of the host's nasal passages. These mouthparts are specifically adapted for sucking blood from the host, allowing the worm to obtain necessary nutrients for survival.

   The life cycle of Porocephalus clavatus involves multiple stages. The adult worms produce eggs that are typically expelled through the host's nasal passage, subsequently being ingested by specific intermediate hosts. The larvae then develop within these intermediate hosts, which are usually small mammals or reptiles. Once consumed by a suitable definitive host (reptiles or birds), the larvae continue to develop and eventually mature into adult worms.

   Infections caused by Porocephalus clavatus are usually asymptomatic, but heavy infestations can lead to respiratory problems and damage to the host's nasal tissues. Control and prevention of these parasitic infections involve regular veterinary check-ups, appropriate hygiene practices, and management of host populations.

2. A species found as a parasite in man.

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

Common Misspellings for POROCEPHALUS CLAVATUS

• oorocephalus clavatus
• lorocephalus clavatus
• -orocephalus clavatus
• 0orocephalus clavatus
• pirocephalus clavatus
• pkrocephalus clavatus
• plrocephalus clavatus
• pprocephalus clavatus
• p0rocephalus clavatus
• p9rocephalus clavatus
• poeocephalus clavatus
• podocephalus clavatus
• pofocephalus clavatus
• potocephalus clavatus
• po5ocephalus clavatus
• po4ocephalus clavatus
• poricephalus clavatus
• porkcephalus clavatus
• porlcephalus clavatus
• porpcephalus clavatus

Etymology of POROCEPHALUS CLAVATUS

The word "Porocephalus clavatus" is a scientific binomial name used to classify a species of worm lizard found in parts of Africa.

The etymology of this name can be broken down as follows:

1. Porocephalus: The genus name "Porocephalus" is derived from Greek. "Poro-" comes from the Greek word "poros", meaning "pore" or "opening", and "-cephalus" is derived from the Greek word "kephalē", meaning "head". Therefore, "Porocephalus" refers to the characteristics of the lizard's head, likely because it has a distinctively shaped head or features related to the head.

2. clavatus: The species name "clavatus" is a Latin word meaning "club-shaped" or "enlarged", derived from the Latin word "clava", which means "club".