noun
- plural of scolex; the head portions of tapeworms that bear hooks or suckers for attachment
Usage: medical; zoological
Examples
- The veterinarian examined the scoleces under a microscope to identify the tapeworm species.
- Multiple scoleces were found attached to the intestinal wall during the autopsy.
- The researcher studied the morphology of different scoleces to classify the parasites.
- Treatment must eliminate both the segments and scoleces to prevent reinfection.
- The scoleces use their hooks to anchor themselves firmly in the host’s digestive tract.