cercaria

< /sərˈkɛər iˌi/. Zoology.

1. the disk-shaped larva of flukes of the class Trematoda, having a taillike appendage.

noun plural -iae (-ɪˌiː)

1. one of the larval forms of trematode worms. It has a short forked tail and resembles an immature adult

n. pl. cer•car•i•as

1. The parasitic larva of a trematode worm, having a tail that disappears in the adult stage.