in zoology, the Fluke or Gourd Worm: A genus of insects of the order of vermes intestinae; of which the characters are these: The body is flattish, and has a vent hole at the extremity and on the belly. There are several species. 1. The hepatica, or liver-fluke, grows to two thirds of an inch in length, though it is more usually met with not half that size; and its breadth is nearly equal to two thirds of its length; it is flattish, but somewhat rounded on the back, and has about eight deep longitudinal furrows in two series; its skin is soft and whitish, with a tinge of brown. The hinder part is rounded, the fore part is furnished with a large mouth; it bears some resemblance to the seed of the common gourd, whence it has acquired the name of the gourd worm. It is found in fresh waters, in ditches, at the roots of stones, sometimes in the intestines, and often in the substance of the other viscera in quadrupeds. It often infests the liver of sheep, and on that account is called *hepatica*. Bags with salt in them should be placed in the fold that the sheep might lick them, which is the only remedy. 2. The Intestinalis, or Intestinal Fluke, is of a long slender form, if extended; when contracted, of a suboval form. Inhabits the intestines of fresh-water fish; often found in streams. 3. The barbata, is white, with transverse papillae in the mouth. It is of an oblong shape, and about the size of a cucumber-seed. It is found in the intestines of the sepia lotigo.