LEACHES Meaning and
Definition
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Leaches, also spelled as "leeches," is a noun that refers to elongated, blood-sucking worms belonging to the subclass Hirudinea and are commonly found in freshwater environments. They usually have segmented bodies, cling to the skin by means of suckers, and feed on the blood of animals, including humans.
Leaches are considered ectoparasites as they attach themselves to the external surface of their hosts and derive nourishment by sucking blood. The act of leaching is achieved through specialized structures such as the anterior and posterior suckers. These suckers allow leaches to effectively anchor themselves to the host's body and facilitate the flow of blood into their digestive system.
Historically, leaching with medicinal leeches was used as a form of medical treatment called "hirudotherapy." This practice was believed to have therapeutic benefits, as the leeches were thought to cleanse the blood and balance humoral fluids within the body. However, their medicinal use has diminished over time with the advancement of modern medicine.
In a metaphorical sense, the term "leaches" can also be used to describe individuals or things that drain or exploit resources from others. This figurative use refers to the action of extracting or consuming valuable assets or energy, often without providing any reciprocal benefits.
Top Common Misspellings for LEACHES *
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Other Common Misspellings for LEACHES
Etymology of LEACHES
The word "leaches" originates from the Middle English term "lyche", which was derived from the Old English word "lēce". In Old English, "lēce" referred to a bloodsucking or medicinal leech. The term is further rooted in the Proto-Germanic word "lekiz" and the Proto-Indo-European word "leg" both meaning "to lick" or "to suck". Over time, "lyche" evolved into "leche" in Middle English, and eventually, "leech" or "leaches" in Modern English to describe the bloodsucking worm-like creatures or to refer to the verb form of "to leech" (extracting blood by application of leeches).
Similar spelling words for LEACHES
Conjugate verb Leaches
CONDITIONAL
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