any of a genus (Echinococcus) of tapeworms that cause disease in mammals
See echinococcus in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(ĭ-kīˌnə-kŏkˈəs)
nounpl.e·chi·no·coc·ci(-kŏkˈsīˌ, -kŏkˈīˌ)
Any of several parasitic tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus, the larvae of which infect mammals and form large, spherical cysts in the liver or lungs, causing serious or fatal disease.