Definition

1. Noun:
   • An agent that kills worms: A substance, typically a chemical or pharmaceutical compound, specifically designed to kill parasitic worms, especially those inhabiting the intestines of humans or animals.

Usage

• The term is used primarily in medical, veterinary, and agricultural contexts to describe substances used to treat worm infestations.
• It is a technical term. In everyday language, people are more likely to use broader terms like "dewormer" or "anthelmintic."

Examples

• Noun:
  • The veterinarian prescribed a powerful vermicide to treat the dog's tapeworm infection.
  • This agricultural vermicide is effective against nematodes in the soil.
  • Research is ongoing to develop a new vermicide with fewer side effects.

Advanced Usage

• "Broad-spectrum vermicide": A substance effective against a wide range of parasitic worm species.
  • The new drug is a broad-spectrum vermicide, targeting both roundworms and flatworms.

Variants and Related Words

• Anthelmintic (also Anthelminthic) (noun/adjective): A more general term for an agent that destroys or expels parasitic worms; it is often used synonymously with "vermicide" in medical contexts.
  • Albendazole is a common anthelmintic medication.
• Vermifuge (noun): An agent that causes the expulsion of parasitic worms from the body, rather than necessarily killing them.
  • Some traditional remedies act as a vermifuge.

Synonyms

• Dewormer: A common, less technical term for an agent that removes worms.
• Anthelmintic: A direct synonym in medical and scientific usage.
• Helminthicide: A technical synonym (from Greek , meaning worm).

Notes on Different Meanings

• The term is specific to agents that kill worms. It is not used for substances that kill insects (insecticides), fungi (fungicides), or bacteria (bactericides).
• While the reference mentions "especially those in the intestines," vermicides can also target worms in other tissues (e.g., heartworm in dogs).

Noun

1. an agent that kills worms (especially those in the intestines)