Bdellodrilus

noun

Bdel·​lod·​ri·​lus

de-ˈlä-drə-ləs

: a genus of small leechlike oligochaete worms parasitic on the gills of crayfishes

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from Greek bdélla "leech" + New Latin drilus "earthworm" (sense extrapolated from Greek drîlos "penis with the foreskin withdrawn, circumcised penis")

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now