n :  any of numerous carnivorous or bloodsucking annelid worms that comprise the class Hirudinea, that typically have a flattened segmented lance-shaped body with well-marked external annulations, a sucker at each end, a mouth within the anterior sucker, and a large stomach with pouches of large capacity at the sides, that are hermaphroditic usu. with direct development, and that occur chiefly in freshwater although a few are marine and some tropical forms are terrestrial - see MEDICINAL LEECH 
, vt 1  :  to treat as a physician  :  CUREHEAL  2  :  to bleed by the use of leeches .
 
 
 
Similar sounding terms:  lash  leach  lo·chia 
 
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.  © 1997-2024.