cercaria: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “cercaria” mean?
The free-swimming larval stage of a parasitic trematode (fluke), which develops in a snail host and infects the next host.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The free-swimming larval stage of a parasitic trematode (fluke), which develops in a snail host and infects the next host.
In parasitology, the cercaria is the stage responsible for transmission from the molluscan intermediate host to the vertebrate or second intermediate host. It typically has a tail for swimming.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Exclusively technical and neutral. No cultural or regional connotations.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Used only in specialised biological and medical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cercaria” in a Sentence
The cercaria (from *X*) infects/p penetrates *Y*.*X* cercariae are released into the water.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cercaria” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cercarial stage is crucial.
- Cercarial dermatitis is caused by skin penetration.
American English
- The cercarial stage is critical.
- Cercarial dermatitis is known as swimmer's itch.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in parasitology, tropical medicine, veterinary science, and zoology research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Core term in parasitology for describing trematode life cycles, infection mechanisms, and control strategies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cercaria”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cercaria”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cercaria”
- Misspelling as 'cercaira' or 'circaria'.
- Using as a general term for any parasite larva.
- Incorrect plural: 'cercarias' (correct: 'cercariae').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised term used only in parasitology and related biological sciences.
Yes, for some species like *Schistosoma*, the cercaria directly penetrates human skin. For others, it encysts in a second intermediate host (e.g., a fish).
The correct plural form is 'cercariae' (pronounced /sɜːˈkɛːrɪiː/).
The tail is often shed during the process of penetrating the host's skin or tissues.
The free-swimming larval stage of a parasitic trematode (fluke), which develops in a snail host and infects the next host.
Cercaria is usually technical/scientific in register.
Cercaria: in British English it is pronounced /sɜːˈkɛːrɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /sərˈkɛriə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CERC- (like 'circle' of life) + ARIA (like 'area' where it swims) = the swimming stage in the parasite's life cycle.
Conceptual Metaphor
The cercaria is a SEARCHER/HUNTER (actively seeking the next host).
Practice
Quiz
What is a cercaria?