I. ˈlōə noun
Etymology: New Latin, of African origin; akin to Kongo lowa, loba eye worm
1. capitalized : a genus of African filarial worms (family Dipetalonematidae) infecting the subcutaneous tissues and blood of man, transmitted by the bite of flies of the genus Chrysops, and associated with urticarial and other allergic manifestations — compare calabar swelling ; see eye worm
2. -s : any worm of the genus Loa
II. ləˈwä noun
( plural loa or loas )
Etymology: Haitian Creole lwa
: a Haitian voodoo cult deity of African origin