Definition

Noun: A nematode worm is a type of unsegmented worm with an elongated, cylindrical body that is typically rounded and pointed at both ends. While many nematode worms are free-living in soil or water, a significant number are parasitic, living in plants, animals, or humans.

Examples of Usage

• The soil sample was teeming with microscopic nematode worms.
• The veterinarian diagnosed the infection as being caused by a parasitic nematode worm.
• Studying the life cycle of a nematode worm is fundamental in parasitology.

Advanced Usage

• "Nematode worm" as a model organism: The species , a free-living nematode worm, is a crucial model organism in biological and genetic research.
  • The development of every cell in the nematode worm C. elegans has been mapped.
• In agricultural contexts, the term often refers to plant-parasitic species that damage crops.
  • The farmer treated the field to control root-knot nematode worms.

Variants and Related Words

• Nematode (n): The more common and precise scientific term; "nematode worm" is a descriptive compound of this word.
  • The phylum Nematoda includes both parasitic and free-living species.
• Roundworm (n): A common synonym, especially for the larger parasitic species.
  • Ascaris is a type of parasitic roundworm.

Synonyms

• Roundworm
• Threadworm (often for smaller species, like )
• Eelworm (primarily in British English, for plant-parasitic nematodes)

Related Phrases

• Nematode infestation: Refers to a harmful population of parasitic nematodes in a host or environment.
  • The pine trees suffered from a severe nematode infestation.
• Nematode parasite: Specifically emphasizes the parasitic nature of the worm.
  • Hookworms are a common nematode parasite in some regions.

Noun

1. unsegmented worms with elongated rounded body pointed at both ends; mostly free-living but some are parasitic