
[Middle English leche, physician, leech, from Old English lǣce.]

[Middle English leche, probably from Middle Low German līk, leech line.]
For more information on leech, visit Britannica.com.
noun
verb
1. n. (Also leecher.) Among BBS types, crackers and warez d00dz, one who consumes knowledge without generating new software, cracks, or techniques. BBS culture specifically defines a leech as someone who downloads files with few or no uploads in return, and who does not contribute to the message section. Cracker culture extends this definition to someone (a lamer, usually) who constantly presses informed sources for information and/or assistance, but has nothing to contribute. See troughie.
2. v. [common, Toronto area] v. To download a file across any kind of internet link. “Hop on IRC later so I can leech some MP3s from you.” Used to describe activities ranging from FTP, to IRC DCC-send, to ICQ file requests, to Napster searches (but never to downloading email with file attachments; the implication is that the download is the result of a browse or search of some sort of file server). Seems to be a holdover from the early 1990s when Toronto had a very active BBS and warez scene. Synonymous with snarf (sense 2), and contrast snarf (sense 4).
She found a leech on her leg after crossing the river in the jungle.
Tutor's tip: Another word that sounds like "leech" which is a flesh-eating worm, is "leach" which means to cause a liquid to filter down through some material in order to clean it of undesirable substances.
LearnThatWord.com is a free vocabulary and spelling program where you only pay for results!
| lectin, lecithinase, lecithin-cholesterol acyl transferase | |
| leghemoglobin, legumain, legumin |
1. any of the annelids of the class Hirudinea, especially Hirudo medicinalis; some species are bloodsuckers, and used for drawing blood.
2. one of the granular bodies in swamp cancer. Called also grains.

| Leech | |
|---|---|
| Hirudo medicinalis | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Annelida |
| Class: | Clitellata |
| Subclass: | Hirudinea Lamarck, 1818 |
| Infraclasses | |
|
Acanthobdellidea |
|
Leeches are segmented worms that belong to the phylum Annelida and comprise the subclass Hirudinea.[1] Like other oligochaetes such as earthworms, leeches share a clitellum and are hermaphrodites. Nevertheless, they differ from other oligochaetes in significant ways. For example, leeches do not have bristles and the external segmentation of their bodies does not correspond with the internal segmentation of their organs. Their bodies are much more solid as the spaces in their coelom are dense with connective tissues. They also have two suckers, one at each end.
The majority of leeches live in freshwater environments, while some species can be found in terrestrial[2] and marine environments, as well. Most leeches are hematophagous, as they are predominantly blood suckers that feed on blood from vertebrate and invertebrate animals.[3] Almost 700 species of leeches are currently recognized, of which some 100 are marine, 90 terrestrial and the remainder freshwater taxa.[4]
Leeches, such as the Hirudo medicinalis, have been historically used in medicine to remove blood from patients.[5] The practice of leeching can be traced to ancient India and Greece, and continued well into the 18th and 19th centuries in both Europe and North America. In modern times, the practice of leeching is much rarer and has been replaced by other contemporary uses of leeches, such as the reattachment of body parts and reconstructive and plastic surgeries [6] and, in Germany, treating osteoarthritis.[7][8]
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Leeches are presumed to have evolved from certain Oligochaeta, most of which feed on detritus. However, some species in the Lumbriculidae are predatory and have similar adaptations as found in leeches. As a consequence, the systematics and taxonomy of leeches is in need of review. While leeches form a clade, the remaining oligochaetes are not their sister taxon, but in a diverse paraphyletic group containing some lineages that are closely related to leeches, and others that are far more distant.
There is some dispute as to whether Hirudinea should be a class itself, or a subclass of the Clitellata. The resolution mainly depends on the eventual fate of the oligochaetes, which as noted above, do not form a natural group as traditionally circumscribed. Another possibility would be to include the leeches in the taxon Oligochaeta, which would then be ranked as a class and contain most of the clitellates. The Branchiobdellida are leechlike clitellates that were formerly included in the Hirudinea, but are just really close relatives.
The more primitive Acanthobdellidea are often included with the leeches, but some authors treat them as a separate clitellate group. True leeches of the infraclass Euhirudinea have both anterior and posterior suckers. They are divided into two groups: Arhynchobdellida and Rhynchobdellida
Like other annelids, the leech is a segmented animal. But, unlike other annelids, there is no correspondence between the external segmentation of a leech's body surface with the segmentation of its internal organs.[1] The body surface of the animal can be divided into 102 annuli, whereas its internal structures are divided into 32 segments.[10] Of the 32 segments within the body, the first four anterior segments are designated as head segments, which include an anterior brain and sucker. This is followed by 21 midbody segments, which include 21 neuronal ganglia, two reproductive organs, and 9 pairs of testes. Finally, the last seven segments are fused to form the animal's tail sucker, as well as its posterior brain.
Leeches are hermaphrodites, meaning each has both female and male reproductive organs (ovaries and testes, respectively). Leeches reproduce by reciprocal fertilization, and sperm transfer occurs during copulation. Similar to the earthworms, leeches also use a clitellum to hold their eggs and secrete the cocoon.
During reproduction, leeches use hyperdermic injection of their sperm. They use a spermatophore, which is a structure containing the sperm. Once next to each other, leeches will line up with one's anterior side opposite the other's posterior. The leech then shoots the spermatophore into the clitellur region of the opposing leech, where its sperm will make its way to the female reproductive parts.
The embryonic development of the leech occurs as a series of stages. During stage 1, the first cleavage occurs, which gives rise to an AB and a CD blastomere, and is in the interphase of this cell division when a yolk-free cytoplasm called teloplasm is formed.[11] The teloplasm is known to be a determinant for the specification of the D cell fate.[12] In stage 3, during the second cleavage, an unequal division occurs in the CD blastomere. As a consequence, it creates a large D cell on the left and a smaller C cell to the right. This unequal division process is dependent on actinomycin,[13] and by the end of stage 3 the AB cell divides. On stage 4 of development, the micromeres and teloblast stem cells are formed and subsequently, the D quadrant divides to form the DM and the DNOPQ teloblast precursor cells. By the end stage 6, the zygote contains a set of 25 micromeres, 3 macromeres (A, B and C) and 10 teloblasts derived from the D quadrant.[14]
The teloblasts are pairs of five different types (M, N, O, P, and Q) of embryonic stem cells that form segmented columns of cells (germinal band) in the surface of the embryo.[15] The M-derived cells make mesoderm and some small set of neurons, N results in neural tissues and some ventral ectoderm, Q contributes to the dorsal ectoderm and O and P in the leech are equipotent cells (same developmental potential) that produce lateral ectoderm; however the difference between the two of them is that P creates bigger batches of dorsolateral epidermis than O.[12] The sludgeworm Tubifex, unlike the leech, specifies the O and P lineages early in development and therefore, these two cells are not equipotent.[16] Each segment of the body of the leech is generated from one M, O, P cell types and two N and two Q cells types.[12]
The ectoderm and mesoderm of the body trunk are exclusively derived from the teloblast cells in a region called the posterior progress zone.[17][18] The head of the leech that comes from an unsegmented region, is formed by the first set of micromeres derived from A, B, C and D cells, keeping the bilateral symmetry between the AD and BC cells.[18]
In most blood-sucking leeches the digestive system starts with the so-called jaws, three blades set at an angle to each other. In feeding they slice their way through the skin of the host, leaving a Y-shaped incision. Behind the blades is the mouth, located ventrally at the anterior end of the body. It leads successively into the pharynx, then the esophagus, the crop, the gizzard, and the intestinum, which ends at the posterior sucker. The crop is a distension of the alimentary canal that functions as an expandable storage compartment. In the crop, some blood-sucking species of leech can store up to five times the body mass of blood. The leech produces an anticoagulant that prevents the stored blood from clotting, plus other agents that inhibit microbial decay of the blood. These measures are so effective that a mature medicinal leech does not need to feed more than twice a year. Possibly as an adaptation, its digestive process is extremely slow.
The bodies of predatory leeches are similar, though instead of jaws many have a protrusible proboscis, which for most of the time they keep retracted into the mouth. Such leeches often are ambush predators that lie in wait till they can strike prey with the proboscises in a spear-like fashion.[19] Some kinds that live on small invertebrates or detritus have neither proboscis nor jaws, but simply engulf their food with the mouth.
Bacteria in the gut were long thought to carry on digestion for the leech, instead of endogenous enzymes that are very low or absent in the intestine. As discovered relatively recently, all leech species studied do produce endogenous intestinal exopeptidases,[3] which can unlink free terminal-end amino acids, one monomer at a time from a gradually unwinding and degrading protein polymer. However, unzipping of the protein can start from either the amino (tail) or carboxyl (head) terminal-end of the protein molecule. The leech exopeptidases (arylamidases), possibly aided by proteases from endosymbiotic bacteria in the intestine, starting from the tail or amino end, slowly but progressively removing many hundreds of individual terminal amino acids for resynthesis into proteins that constitute the leech. Since leeches lack endopeptidases, the mechanism of protein digestion cannot follow the same sequence as it would in all other animals in which exopeptidases act sequentially on peptides produced by the action of endopeptidases.[3] Exopeptidases are especially prominent in the common North American worm-leech Erpobdella punctata. This evolutionary choice of exopeptic digestion in Hirudinea distinguishes these carnivorous clitellates from Oligochaeta.
Deficiency of digestive enzymes (except exopeptidases), but, more importantly, deficiency of vitamins, B complex for example, in leeches is compensated for by enzymes and vitamins produced by endosymbiotic microflora. In Hirudo medicinalis, these supplementary factors are produced by an obligatory symbiotic relationship with two bacterial species, Aeromonas veronii and a still-uncharacterized Rikenella species. Nonbloodsucking leeches, such as Erpobdella punctata, are host to three bacterial symbionts, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, and Klebsiella spp. (a slime producer). The bacteria are passed from parent to offspring in the cocoon as it is formed.
Leeches are able to display a variety of behaviors that allow them to explore their environments and feed on their hosts. Exploratory behavior includes head movements and body waving.[3]
Most leech species do not feed on human blood, but instead prey on small invertebrates, which they eat whole. To feed on their hosts, leeches use their anterior suckers to connect to hosts for feeding, and also release an anesthetic to prevent the hosts from feeling them. Once attached, leeches use a combination of mucus and suction to stay attached and secrete an anticoagulant enzyme, hirudin, into the hosts' blood streams. Though certain species of leeches feed on blood, not all species can bite; 90% of them feed solely on decomposing bodies and open wounds of amphibians, reptiles, waterfowl, fish, and mammals (including humans). A leech attaches itself when it bites, and it will stay attached until it becomes full, at which point it falls off to digest. Due to the hirudin that leeches secrete, bites may bleed more than a normal wound after the leech is removed. The effect of the anticoagulant will wear off several hours after the leech is removed and the wound is cleaned.
Leeches normally carry parasites in their digestive tracts, which cannot survive in humans and do not pose a threat. However, bacteria, viruses, and parasites from previous blood sources can survive within a leech for months, but only a few cases of leeches transmitting pathogens to humans have been reported.[20] A study found both HIV and hepatitis B in African leeches from Cameroon.[21]
One recommended method of removal is using a fingernail or other flat, blunt object to break the seal of the oral sucker at the anterior end of the leech, repeating with the posterior end, then flicking the leech away. As the fingernail is pushed along the person's skin against the leech, the suction of the sucker's seal is broken, at which point the leech will detach its jaws.[24][25]
Common, but medically inadvisable, techniques to remove a leech are to apply a flame, a lit cigarette, salt, soap, or a chemical such as alcohol, vinegar, lemon juice, insect repellent, heat rub, or certain carbonated drinks. These will cause the leech to quickly detach; however, it will also regurgitate its stomach contents into the wound. The vomit may carry disease, and thus increase the risk of infection.[24][25][26]
An externally attached leech will detach and fall off on its own when it is satiated on blood, which may be anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours or more. After feeding, the leech will detach and depart.[26] Internal attachments, such as inside the nasal passage or vaginal attachments, are more likely to require medical intervention.[27][28]
After removal or detachment, the wound should be cleaned with soap and water, and bandaged. Bleeding may continue for some time, due to the leech's hirudin. Bleeding time will vary, with location, from a few hours to three days. This is a function of the hirudin and other compounds that reduce the surface tension of the blood. Anticlotting medications also affect the bleeding time. Applying pressure can reduce bleeding, although blood loss from a single bite is not dangerous. The wound normally itches as it heals, but should not be scratched, as this may complicate healing and introduce other infections. An antihistamine can reduce itching, and applying a cold pack can reduce pain or swelling.
Some people suffer severe allergic or anaphylactic reactions from leech bites and require urgent medical care. Symptoms include red blotches or an itchy rash over the body, swelling around the lips or eyes, feeling faint or dizzy, and difficulty breathing.[26]
The European medical leech Hirudo medicinalis and some congeners, as well as some other species, have been used for clinical bloodletting for thousands of years. The use of leeches in medicine dates as far back as 2,500 years ago, when they were used for bloodletting in ancient India. Leech therapy is explained in ancient Ayurvedic texts. Many ancient civilizations practiced bloodletting, including Indian and Greek civilizations. In ancient Greek history, bloodletting was practiced according to the humoral theory, which proposed that, when the four humors, blood, phlegm, black and yellow bile in the human body were in balance, good health was guaranteed. An imbalance in the proportions of these humors was believed to be the cause of ill health. Records of this theory were found in the Greek philosopher Hippocrates' collection in the fifth century BC. Bloodletting using leeches was one method used by physicians to balance the humors and to rid the body of the plethora.
The use of leeches in modern medicine made its comeback in the 1980s after years of decline, with the advent of microsurgeries, such as plastic and reconstructive surgeries. In operations such as these, problematic venous congestion can arise due to inefficient venous drainage. Sometimes, because of the technical difficulties in forming an anastomosis of a vein, no attempt is made to reattach a venous supply to a flap at all. This condition is known as venous insufficiency. If this congestion is not cleared up quickly, the blood will clot, arteries that bring the tissues their necessary nourishment will become plugged, and the tissues will die. To prevent this, leeches are applied to a congested flap, and a certain amount of excess blood is consumed before the leech falls away. The wound will also continue to bleed for a while due to the anticoagulant hirudin in the leeches' saliva. The combined effect is to reduce the swelling in the tissues and to promote healing by allowing fresh, oxygenated blood to reach the area.[29]
The active anticoagulant component of leech saliva is a small protein, hirudin. Discovery and isolation of this protein led to a method of producing it by recombinant technology. Recombinant hirudin is available to physicians as an intravenous anticoagulant preparation for injection, particularly useful for patients who are allergic to or cannot tolerate heparin.
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Dansk (Danish)
1.
n. - igle, snylter
v. tr. - sætte igler på, årelade med igler
v. intr. - sætte igler på, årelade med igler
2.
n. - lig
3.
n. - læge
Nederlands (Dutch)
bloedzuiger, profiteur, uitbuiter, arts (schertsend), lijk van zeil (scheepvaart), klit, parasiet, aderlaten door bloedzuiger, zich aan iemand vastklampen, klitten, uitputten
Français (French)
1.
n. - (Zool, fig) sangsue
v. tr. - coller qn comme une sangsue
v. intr. - se coller à qn comme une sangsue
2.
n. - bord vertical d'une voile carrée, (Naut) bord ou côté sous le vent (d'une voile aurique)
3.
n. - docteur ou guérisseur
Deutsch (German)
1.
n. - Blutegel, Blutsauger
v. - mittels Blutegeln zur Ader lassen, erschöpfen
2.
n. - (naut) Leick, Liek, stehende Kante eines Segels
3.
n. - Echter, Deutscher Blutegel
Ελληνική (Greek)
n. - (ζωολ.) βδέλλα, (κοινωνικό) παράσιτο
v. - παρασιτώ, απομυζώ, αφαιμάσσω
Português (Portuguese)
n. - sanguessuga (f) (Zool.)
v. - aplicar sanguessugas
Русский (Russian)
ставить пиявки, медицинская пиявка, кровопийца, лекарь
Español (Spanish)
1.
n. - sanguijuela, explotador, chupasangre, aprovechado, parásito, sablista
v. tr. - poner sanguijuelas, curar con sanguijuelas, (fig) chupar la sangre
v. intr. - poner sanguijuelas, curar con sanguijuelas, (fig) chupar la sangre
2.
n. - borde longitudinal de una vela
3.
n. - médico, curandero
Svenska (Swedish)
n. - blodigel, igel, blodsugare, läkare, (sjö.) sidokant på segel, akterlik
v. - sätta blodiglar på, åderlåta, bota, kurera
中文(简体)(Chinese (Simplified))
1. 水蛭, 榨取他人金钱者, 欧洲医蛭, 寄生虫, 用水蛭替...放血, 依附并榨取, 治疗, 依附并榨取他人
2. 纵帆的后缘
中文(繁體)(Chinese (Traditional))
1.
n. - 水蛭, 榨取他人金錢者, 歐洲醫蛭, 寄生蟲
v. tr. - 用水蛭替...放血, 依附並榨取, 治療
v. intr. - 依附並榨取他人
2.
n. - 縱帆的後緣
한국어 (Korean)
1.
n. - 거머리, 악랄한 착취자, 인공 방혈기
v. tr. - 달라붙어 고갈시키다, 거머리를 붙여 피를 빨아먹다
v. intr. - 달라붙다 , 달라붙어 떨어지지 않다
2.
n. - 항해의 바람부는 쪽
3.
n. - 의사
日本語 (Japanese)
n. - ヒル, 高利貸し, 吸血鬼
العربيه (Arabic)
(الاسم) طبيب, جراح, علقه, طفيلي, الكرات نبات (فعل) يستخرج دما بواسطه علقه, يستنزف, يتطفل, يسحب كلامه, يعتذر عن
עברית (Hebrew)
n. - עלוקה, נצלן, סחטן
v. tr. - הצמיד עלוקות לגוף כדי שתמצוצנה דם (לצורכי ריפוי), נצמד אל- ומצץ
v. intr. - נטפל אל אדם כעלוקה
n. - שוליים אחוריים של מפרש מרובע, צד המפרש הרחוק מהתורן
n. - רופא, מרפא
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