trichina

noun tri·chi·na \tri-ˈkī-nə\

plural tri·chi·nae\-(ˌ)nē\ also tri·chi·nas

Definition of TRICHINA

: a small slender nematode worm (Trichinella spiralis) that is a parasite of flesh-eating mammals (as humans and swine) with larvae that migrate from the intestines to striated muscles where they become encysted

— tri·chi·nal \-n^əl\ adjective

See trichina defined for kids

Origin of TRICHINA

New Latin, from Greek trichinos made of hair, from trich-, thrix hair

First Known Use: 1835

Medical Dictionary

trichina

noun tri·chi·na \tri-ˈkī-nə\

plural tri·chi·nae \-(ˌ)nē\ also tri·chi·nas

Medical Definition of TRICHINA

: a small slender nematode worm of the genus Trichinella (T. spiralis) that as an adult is a short-lived parasite of the intestines of a flesh-eating mammal (as a human being, rat, or pig) where it produces immense numbers of larvae which migrate to the striated muscles either directly or through the blood, establish themselves in or between the muscle fibers where they become encysted and may persist for years, and if consumed by a new host in raw or insufficiently cooked meat are liberated by the digestive processes and rapidly become adult to initiate a new parasitic cycle—see trichinosis