scolex

noun

sco·​lex ˈskō-ˌleks How to pronounce scolex (audio)
plural scolices ˈskō-lə-ˌsēz How to pronounce scolex (audio) also scoleces ˈskō-lə-ˌsēz How to pronounce scolex (audio)
ˈskä-
: the head of a tapeworm either in the larva or adult stage

Examples of scolex in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Arrow identifies the scolex. Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 27 Sep. 2011

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

Etymology

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).

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scolex was in 1855

Dictionary Entries Near scolex

Cite this Entry

“Scolex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scolex. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

scolex

noun
sco·​lex ˈskō-ˌleks How to pronounce scolex (audio)
plural scolices also scoleces -lə-ˌsēz How to pronounce scolex (audio)
: the head of a tapeworm

Medical Definition

scolex

noun
sco·​lex ˈskō-ˌleks How to pronounce scolex (audio)
plural scolices ˈskō-lə-ˌsēz How to pronounce scolex (audio) also scoleces ˈskäl-ə-ˌsēz, ˈskōl- How to pronounce scolex (audio) or scolexes
: the head of a tapeworm either in the larva or adult stage from which the proglottids are produced by budding

More from Merriam-Webster on scolex

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!