strobila: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare/Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “strobila” mean?
A chain of identical, linearly connected body segments, especially in the life cycle stages of certain parasites like tapeworms.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chain of identical, linearly connected body segments, especially in the life cycle stages of certain parasites like tapeworms.
In zoology, the main, segmented body structure of a tapeworm, consisting of a series of proglottids. More broadly, can refer to a linearly segmented structure in other organisms, such as some stages of jellyfish development.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage, spelling, or meaning. It is a technical term used identically in both scientific communities.
Connotations
None beyond its precise scientific definition. Evokes imagery of parasitology and invertebrate anatomy.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside of specific academic or medical texts. Frequency is equally low in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “strobila” in a Sentence
The [organism] possesses/has/develops a strobila.The strobila consists of [number] proglottids.A mature strobila is [adjective].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “strobila” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The mature strobila of Taenia saginata can contain over a thousand proglottids.
- Under the microscope, the detachment of gravid proglottids from the strobila was clearly visible.
American English
- The veterinarian explained that the strobila is the long, ribbon-like body of the tapeworm.
- Research focused on the regenerative capacity of the anterior end of the strobila.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Core term in parasitology, helminthology, and invertebrate zoology modules.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Essential for describing the morphology of cestodes (tapeworms) and some cnidarians.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “strobila”
- Mispronouncing it as /ˈstrɒbɪlə/ (like 'stroboscope').
- Using it to refer to any segmented animal (e.g., an earthworm). It is specific to certain parasitic flatworms and cnidarian life stages.
- Spelling it as 'strobilla'.
- Confusing it with 'scolex'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized technical term used almost exclusively in zoology and parasitology.
Yes, in a broader zoological context, it can also describe a linearly segmented stage in the life cycle of certain jellyfish (Scyphozoa), formed through a process called strobilation.
The strobila is the entire chain or column. Each individual segment within that chain is called a proglottid.
In British English: /strə(ʊ)ˈbʌɪlə/. In American English: /stroʊˈbaɪlə/. The stress is on the second syllable.
A chain of identical, linearly connected body segments, especially in the life cycle stages of certain parasites like tapeworms.
Strobila is usually technical/scientific in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. This is a technical term with no idiomatic usage.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a STRObe light flashing on a line (LA) of identical segments. STROBILA: a strobe illuminates a line of identical parts.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LIVING PRODUCTION LINE or TRAIN: The strobila is like a factory assembly line where new segments (proglottids) are added at one end and mature/release eggs at the other.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'strobila' primarily used?