cestode

ces·tode  (sstd)

n.

Any of various parasitic flatworms of the class Cestoda, including the tapeworms, having a long flat body equipped with a specialized organ of attachment at one end.

adj.

Of, relating to, or belonging to the class Cestoda.

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[From New Latin Cestoda, class name, from Latin cestus, belt, from Greek kestos; see cestus¹.]

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cestode  (sstd)

Any of various parasitic flatworms of the class Cestoda, having a long flat body that usually has a specialized organ of attachment at one end (the scolex). Cestodes may consist of a single segment or be divided into numerous identical rectangular segments. Food is absorbed through the outer covering of the body. Cestodes inhabit the liver and digestive tract of many vertebrate animals and also affect some invertebrates. They can attain a length of over 15 m (49 ft). Also called tapeworm.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

cestode - ribbonlike flatworms that are parasitic in the intestines of humans and other vertebrates tapeworm flatworm, platyhelminth - parasitic or free-living worms having a flattened body Cestoda, class Cestoda - tapeworms echinococcus - tapeworms whose larvae are parasitic in humans and domestic animals taenia - tapeworms parasitic in humans which uses the pig as its intermediate host