nematode

noun

nem·​a·​tode ˈne-mə-ˌtōd 

ˈnē-

: any of a phylum (Nematoda or Nemata) of elongated cylindrical worms parasitic in animals or plants or free-living in soil or water

called also roundworm

Examples of nematode in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One surprising result is that the number of genes required to encode a tiny nematode worm, a fish and a human being is about the same. —Christian Edwards, CNN, 7 Oct. 2024

Classified as a nematode, the roundworm caenorhabditis elegans (or c. elegans to its friends) might seem like just another tiny thing to someone who’s not looking at the current research around AI and neural network technology. —John Werner, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024

Even the 302-neuron network of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has a modular structure. —Max Bertolero, Scientific American, 1 July 2019

Try planting marigolds, which have a potent scent that repels nematodes, aphids and whiteflies. —Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Greek nēmat-, nēma

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing nematode

• golden nematode
• meadow nematode
• root-knot nematode

Kids Definition

nematode

noun

nem·​a·​tode ˈnem-ə-ˌtōd 

: any of a major group of long cylinder-shaped worms that are parasites in animals or plants or live in soil or water

called also roundworm

Medical Definition

nematode

1 of 2 adjective

nem·​a·​tode ˈnem-ə-ˌtōd 

: of or relating to the phylum Nematoda

nematode

2 of 2 noun

: any worm of the phylum Nematoda