Main Entry:

hair·worm

Pronunciation:

\ˈher-ˌwərm\

Function:

noun

Date:

1658

1 : any of a phylum (Nematomorpha) of elongated worms that have separate sexes, are parasitic in arthropods as larvae, and are free-living in water as adults —called also horsehair worm 2 : any of a genus (Capillaria) of nematode worms that include serious parasites of the alimentary tract of fowls and tissue and organ parasites of mammals