Definition

A stage in the life cycle of a type of parasitic worm, where it is encysted in the tissues of an intermediate host and can infect a definitive host.

Example

The metacercaria can be found in the tissues of fish, making them a potential source of infection for humans.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the term metacercaria?

No, I haven't. What does it mean?

It's actually the encysted stage of a trematode parasite that affects some animals.

That's interesting! I didn't know parasites had such complex life stages.

Root Explanation

Metacercaria → It is formed from "meta-" (meaning beyond or after) and "cercaria" (from Greek "kérkos", meaning tail). The term refers to a stage in the life cycle of certain parasitic flatworms that occurs after the cercaria stage, indicating a developmental phase beyond the tail stage.

Memory Tip

Think of 'beyond' ('meta-') the 'tail' ('cercaria') to remember that 'metacercaria' refers to a stage in a parasite's life cycle that comes after the tail stage.

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