anthelmintic

adjective

an·​thel·​min·​tic ˌant-ˌhel-ˈmin-tik How to pronounce anthelmintic (audio)
ˌan-ˌthel-
: expelling or destroying parasitic worms especially of the intestine
anthelmintic noun

Examples of anthelmintic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Treatment is, shockingly, quite simple - administering a single dose of the anthelmintic praziquantel should expel the worm. Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 27 Sep. 2011

Word History

Etymology

anti- + Greek helminth-, helmis worm

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anthelmintic was in 1684

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Cite this Entry

“Anthelmintic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anthelmintic. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

anthelmintic

1 of 2 adjective
an·​thel·​min·​tic ˌant-ˌhel-ˈmin-tik How to pronounce anthelmintic (audio) ˌan-ˌthel- How to pronounce anthelmintic (audio)
variants also anthelminthic
: expelling or destroying parasitic worms (as tapeworms) especially of the intestine

anthelmintic

2 of 2 noun
variants also anthelminthic
: an anthelmintic drug

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