What does trichina mean?
Trichina is the common name for a parasitic roundworm, particularly Trichinella spiralis, whose larvae can infect the muscles of humans and other mammals. Humans commonly acquire the parasite by eating raw or undercooked meat containing encysted larvae, especially pork or wild game. Once ingested, the larvae mature and produce new larvae that embed in muscle tissue, potentially causing trichinosis. The word is therefore strongly associated with foodborne illness and unpleasant medical consequences, although most infections are mild and the parasite is not ordinarily transmitted between people. Trichina also has an unexpectedly distinctive history: its name derives from Greek words associated with hair, probably describing the parasite's minute, threadlike appearance. In general use, the singular can refer to one worm, while plural forms may refer to several worms or to the larvae collectively. The related disease name, trichinosis, is often encountered alongside the word in medical and public-health discussions.
nounA small parasitic roundworm of the genus Trichinella, especially Trichinella spiralis. Its larvae can infect the muscles of humans and other mammals, causing trichinosis.
- A parasitic roundworm, especially Trichinella spiralis, particularly in its larval stage.
"Trichina larvae in undercooked pork can cause trichinosis."
"The biopsy revealed a trichina embedded in the muscle tissue."
"Trichina larvae in undercooked pork can cause trichinosis."
The plural can refer to multiple individual worms or, especially in biological and medical contexts, to their larvae collectively.
"The larvae, or trichinae, had become encysted in the muscle tissue."
A tiny parasite with a dramatic name: trichina comes from Greek for hairy, reflecting its slender, threadlike form.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does trichina come from?
Trichina entered English from New Latin in the 19th century. New Latin formed the name from Greek trichinos, meaning hairy, ultimately derived from thrix, meaning hair; the reference reflects the parasite's slender, hair-like appearance. The same Greek root also underlies related terms concerning hair and, through medical usage, the disease name trichinosis.
Related word forms
How trichina is actually used
The term is chiefly medical and biological vocabulary. It may refer to an individual worm, the larval stage, or these parasites collectively.
Easily confused with trichina
Trichina is the parasitic worm, whereas trichinosis is the disease caused by infection with it.