Definition

A type of larva from certain tapeworms that has a long, solid body and is capable of causing infection, often found in the muscles of fish.

Example

The fisherman was concerned about the presence of plerocercoids in the fish he caught.

Conversation

Did you know that some fish can carry a plerocercoid larva?

Really? I had no idea fish could be infected like that!

Yeah, it’s pretty fascinating how these tapeworms develop.

Nature is wild! I wonder how they affect the fish's health.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Plerocercoid → It is formed from 'plerus' (from Greek 'pleres', meaning full) and 'cercoid' (from Greek 'kerkos', meaning tail). The word describes a larval stage of certain tapeworms that is full of the characteristics of the adult form, particularly in its tail structure.

Memory Tip

Think of 'full' ('plerus') to remember that a plerocercoid is a larval form that is 'full' of features of the adult tapeworm, especially its tail.

Visually Confused Words