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on·co·sphere also on·cho·sphere 'äŋ-kō-.sfi(ə)r n a tapeworm embryo that has six hooks and is the earliest differentiated stage of a cyclophyllidean tapeworm called also hexacanth embryo
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n.
the six-hooked larva of a tapeworm. If ingested by a suitable intermediate host, such as a pig or an ox, the larva will use its hooks to penetrate the wall of the intestine. The larva subsequently migrates to the muscles, where it develops into a cysticercus.
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on·co·sphere (ongґko-sfēr) [onco-2 + sphere] the larva of the tapeworm contained within the external embryonic envelope and armed with six hooks; it may be found in the feces.Medical dictionary. 2011.