helminth

noun

hel·​minth ˈhel-ˌmin(t)th How to pronounce helminth (audio)
: a parasitic worm (such as a tapeworm, liver fluke, ascarid, or leech)
especially : an intestinal worm
helminthic adjective

Examples of helminth 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.
Helminths awake the regulatory side of the immune system. Brandon Keim, WIRED, 20 Nov. 2012

Word History

Etymology

Greek helminth-, helmis

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of helminth was in 1852

Dictionary Entries Near helminth

Cite this Entry

“Helminth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helminth. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

helminth

noun
hel·​minth ˈhel-ˌmin(t)th How to pronounce helminth (audio)
plural helminths
: a parasitic worm (as a tapeworm, liver fluke, ascarid, or leech)
especially : one that parasitizes the intestine of a vertebrate
helminthic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on helminth

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!