on·cho·cer·ci·a·sis ( ng k -s r-k  -s s)n. A disease caused by infestation with filarial worms of the genus Onchocerca, especially a disease of humans caused by O. volvulus and characterized by nodular swellings on the skin and lesions of the eyes. Transmitted by black flies, the disease occurs in tropical regions of Africa and Central America. Also called river blindness. [New Latin : Onchocerca, genus name (Greek onkos, barb + Greek kerkos, tail) + -iasis.] |
onchocerciasis [ˌɒŋkəʊsəˈkaɪəsɪs]
n pl -ses [-siːz]
(Medicine / Pathology) a disease found in parts of Africa and tropical America that is caused by a parasitic worm, Onchocerca volvulus, and transmitted to humans by various species of black fly. It results in inflammation of the skin and in some cases blindness Also called river blindness
[from Onchocerca, the genus of worms + -iasis]
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | onchocerciasis - infestation with slender threadlike roundworms (filaria) deposited under the skin by the bite of black fleas; when the eyes are involved it can result in blindness; common in Africa and tropical America infestation - the state of being invaded or overrun by parasites |
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