n.; pl. filariae. [ NL., fr. L. filum a thread. ] (Zool.) a small, slender nematode worm of the family Onchocercidae (Filariidae) of many species, parasitic when adult in various animals, including man. They may live within the blood, or in other bodily fluids, or within tissues or cavities of the body. Infection with such organisms may be transmitted by blood-sucking arthropods. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

‖n. [ NL., fr. L. filum a thread. ] (Zool.) a former genus comprised of certain nematodes, now classed as belonging to several genera within the family Onchocercidae. See Onchocerca and Guinea worm. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

a. 1. (Zool. & Med.) Of, pertaining to, or caused by, filariæ and allied parasitic worms. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

2. Straight, as if in a line; as, the filarial flight of birds. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. [ NL. ] 1. (Zool., Med.) the presence of filariae within the body of an organism; infection with filariae. It is mostly found in tropical and subtropical regions. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. PJC ]

2. (Med.) a disease caused by nematodes in the blood or tissues of the body causing blockage of lymphatic vessels. Death of the adult worms may lead to inflammation and permanent fibrosis; the condition may lead to serious symptoms, such as elephantiasis or blindness. See river blindness [ WordNet 1.5 +PJC ]