What does coccid mean?
A coccid is a minute parasitic organism belonging to the coccidian group of sporozoans. These parasites are especially important in veterinary medicine because some infect the intestinal tissues of birds and cause the disease known as coccidiosis. In poultry farming, coccids are a familiar concern, and outbreaks can affect young chicks severely when they are raised in crowded or unhygienic conditions. The word is technical rather than general, appearing in discussions of animal disease, veterinary diagnosis, parasitology, and poultry management. It refers to the parasite itself, not to the disease it causes; 'coccidiosis' names the illness, while a 'coccid infection' describes the presence and effects of the parasite. Although the term is uncommon outside specialist contexts, knowing it helps distinguish the organism from the condition and is particularly useful to anyone interested in bird health, agriculture, or animal care.
nounA coccid is a small parasitic sporozoan, especially one that infects birds and causes coccidiosis. The term is especially common in veterinary and parasitological contexts.
- A small parasitic sporozoan of the coccidian group, particularly one that infects birds and causes coccidiosis.
"The veterinarian identified a coccid infection in several of the young chicks."
"Poultry workers used laboratory tests to check for coccids in the birds' droppings."
"The article explains how a coccid in a chicken can produce severe intestinal disease."
The regular plural is 'coccids,' particularly common when referring to parasites found in poultry or other birds.
"The laboratory confirmed that coccids were present in the flock."
A coccid may be microscopic, but an outbreak of coccidiosis can devastate a flock.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does coccid come from?
The English word is a shortened derivative of New Latin coccidium. Coccidium comes from a diminutive of Greek kokkos, meaning 'berry,' a reference to the rounded appearance of the parasite. Its relatives include coccidiosis, the disease caused by coccidian infection, and coccidial, an adjective describing infection or features related to these parasites.
Related word forms
How coccid is actually used
This is primarily a specialist term used in veterinary medicine, zoology, and parasitology. In poultry farming, the plural 'coccids' is common, and the expression 'coccid infection' is especially frequent.
Easily confused with coccid
A coccid is an individual parasitic organism, while coccidium is the related taxonomic name and the source of the English term.