coccidium

[ kok-sid-ee-uh m ]

/ kɒkˈsɪd i əm /

any sporozoan of the order Coccidia, often parasitic in the digestive tracts of certain animals and a cause of coccidiosis.

Origin of coccidium

< New Latin Coccidium, originally a genus name; see coccus, -idium

The spores are generally situated in distinct hollow conceptacles (favellæ, ceramidium, coccidium).

Sea-Weeds, Shells and Fossils |Peter Gray
Infection by Coccidium oviforme is very common, without however presenting any symptoms by which the infection may be recognised.

The Elements of Bacteriological Technique |John William Henry Eyre
In one case (Coccidium mitrarium), the oocyst itself, instead of being spherical, is curiously shaped like a mitre.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 5 |Various

coccidium

[ kŏk-sĭd′ē-əm ]

Any of various protozoan parasites belonging to the order Coccidia.

coc•cid′i•al adj.