vinegar eel

noun

: a minute free-living nematode worm (Turbatrix aceti) often found in great numbers in acidic vegetable or vegetable-derived fermenting matter (such as unpasteurized vinegar)

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1839, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

vinegar eel

noun

: a tiny nematode worm often found in vinegar that has not been pasteurized or other fermenting vegetable substances

Medical Definition

vinegar eel

noun

-ˈēl 

: a minute free-living nematode worm of the genus Turbatrix (T. aceti) often found in great numbers in acidic vegetable or vegetable-derived fermenting matter (as unpasteurized vinegar)