anguillula
|an-guil-lu-la|
/ˌæŋɡwɪˈluːlə/
tiny eel-like nematode
Etymology
'anguillula' originates from New Latin, specifically from Latin 'anguilla' meaning 'eel,' with the diminutive suffix '-ula' meaning 'little.'
'anguillula' was coined in New Latin for taxonomic purposes in early zoological literature and entered English as both a genus name and a common noun referring to tiny eel-like nematodes.
Initially, it meant 'little eel' by formation; it came to denote minute eel-shaped nematodes, a sense that remains in specialized biological usage today.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a minute eel-like nematode worm; especially the vinegar eel found in fermenting liquids.
Under the microscope, the anguillula darted through the droplet of cider vinegar.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a former taxonomic genus name historically applied to certain small nematodes (now generally placed in other genera, e.g., Turbatrix).
Older zoological texts sometimes list the vinegar eel under anguillula rather than under modern classifications.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/09 19:07