Definition of Cyclops

Cyclops: A common freshwater crustacean. Some species of Cyclops serve as hosts for parasites such as the guinea worm, the cause of dracunculiasis (guinea worm disease).

The Cyclops were one-eyed giants of Greek mythology, a mythical race of lawless giant shepherds who lived in Sicily. They had a single large round eye in the center of the forehead.

The word "cyclops" itself comes from the Greek "kyklos" (circle) + "ops" (eye). Cyclopia is a congenital malformation (birth defect) in which there is only one eye located just above the customary location of the nose.

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=17304
Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012