a. and sb. Also lernean. [f. L. Lernæ-us, Gr. Λερναῖος (f. L. Lerna, Gr. Λέρνη, the name of a marsh in Argolis) + -AN. The mod. use is prob. an allusion to the Lernæan Hydra, a monster inhabiting this marsh.]

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  A.  adj. Pertaining to the Lernæa, a Linnæan genus of parasitic entomostracans, now limited to certain species infesting the gills of the cod.

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1835.  Kirby, Hab. & Inst. Anim., II. xiv. 25. A very remarkable Lernean parasite.

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1852.  Dana, Crust., I. 4. The most degraded Lernæan forms have the sluggishness … of the lowest worms.

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  B.  sb. One of the genus Lernæa.

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1835.  Kirby, Hab. & Inst. Anim., II. xiv. 22. The Lerneans … he [Cuvier] has placed … in his first order of Intestinal Worms.

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1876.  Beneden’s Anim. Parasites, 97. The Lernæans also have females excessively various in size and appearance.

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