ˌbalən.ˈtidēəm noun
Etymology: New Latin, from Greek balantidion little bag, diminutive of balantion bag, pouch, purse
1. capitalized : a genus of large parasitic ciliate protozoans (order Heterotricha) having the peristome beginning near the anterior tip of the body and containing a species ( Balantidium coli ) that infests the intestines of swine and other mammals and may cause a chronic ulcerative dysentery in man
2. plural balantid·ia -ēə : a protozoan of the genus Balantidium