a fly-transmitted tropical disease in which parasitic filarial worms (genus Onchocerca) cause tumors, skin lesions, and blindness; river blindness
See onchocerciasis in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
A disease caused by infestation with filarial worms of the genus Onchocerca, especially a disease of humans caused by O. volvulus and characterized by nodular swellings on the skin and lesions of the eyes. Transmitted by black flies, the disease occurs in tropical regions of Africa and Central America. Also called river blindness.
Origin:
Origin: New Latin
Origin: : Onchocerca, genus name (Greek onkos, barb + Greek kerkos, tail)