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scolex
noun
Examples of scolex in a Sentence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scolex.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
borrowed from New Latin, originally the name of a tapeworm genus, borrowed from Greek skōlēk-, skṓlēx "worm," (in plural) "larvae, grubs," of uncertain origin
Note: P. Chantraine (Dictionnaire étymologique de la langue grecque) follows others in associating Greek skṓlēx with a presumed word skṓlos used by the glossator Hesychius in the dative plural: skṓloisi ‧ drepánois, dià tḕn skoliótēta ("skṓloisi : scythes, from its curved form"), but the semantic link is tenuous and the presumed lengthened-grade vowel is difficult to account for. The word skṓloisi would then be further connected with skōlýptesthai "to wave to and fro" (attested once), skoliós "bent, crooked," and skélos "leg" (see isosceles).
1855, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near scolex
Cite this Entry
“Scolex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scolex. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
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scolex
nounMore from Merriam-Webster on scolex
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scolex
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