Habronema

/ˌhæbrəˈniːmə/ noun

Definition

A genus of parasitic nematode worms that infect horses and other animals, transmitted by flies.

Etymology

From Greek habros (delicate, graceful) plus nema (thread), literally 'delicate thread.' Scientific Latin naming convention created the genus term in parasitology.

Kelly Says

Despite its 'graceful thread' name, Habronema causes serious infections in horses—it's a good reminder that names in science often reflect appearance rather than the organism's actual impact on its host.

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