Intramolluscan development stage of a digenetic trematode, following the primary sporocyst stage, which forms after penetration of the snail tissues by the miracidium. Rediae are produced from cells within the sporocyst, are liberated from the latter, and develop in the tissues of the host snail as elongated, saclike, muscular organisms with a mouth and gut. The rediae may produce one or a number of additional generations in the snail, but they ultimately produce the final development stage, the cercaria. SEE ALSO: sporocyst (1), miracidium. [F. Redi, Italian physician, 1626–1697]
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re·dia 'rēd-ē-ə n, pl re·di·ae -ē-.ē also re·di·as a larva produced within the sporocyst of many trematodes that produces another generation of larvae like itself or develops into a cercaria
re·di·al -ē-əl adj
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n. (pl. rediae)
the third-stage larva of a parasitic fluke. Rediae develop within the body of a freshwater snail and undergo a process of asexual reproduction, giving rise to many fourth-stage larvae called cercaria. See also miracidium, sporocyst.
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re·dia (reґde-ə) pl. reґdiae [F. Redi, Italian naturalist, 1626–1698] a larval stage of certain trematode parasites, which develops in the body of a snail host and gives rise to daughter rediae or to the cercariae.Medical dictionary. 2011.