a disease common in tropical and subtropical countries resulting from infestation of the lymphatic system with the nematode worms Wuchereria bancrofti or Brugia malayi, transmitted by mosquitoes: characterized by inflammation and obstruction of the lymphatic vessels
See also elephantiasis
Word origin
C19: from New Latin; see filaria
filariasis in American English
(ˌfɪləˈraɪəsɪs)
noun
a disease caused by filarial worms transmitted by mosquitoes: the worms invade lymphatic vessels and lymphoid tissue, causing chronic swelling of the lower extremities and other parts of the body