scolex

noun

1. The structure at the front end of a tapeworm which, in the adult, has suckers and hooks by which it attaches itself to a host.

   The head, with the circle of hooklets and the four suckers, is then formed at the anterior part of the embryo, constituting now the scolex of Van Beneden.

Where it comes from

Borrowed from Ancient Greek σκώληξ (skṓlēx, “worm”).

Adapted from the Wiktionary entry scolex (CC BY-SA 4.0).

← scofflawscolopendra →

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