gapeworm

noun

gape·worm ˈgāp-ˌwərm

sometimes ˈgap-

: a nematode worm (Syngamus trachea) that causes gapes (see gape entry 2 sense 4) in birds

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web He and other rehabbers are overloaded with waterfowl riddled with gapeworm, a parasite that lives and breeds in a bird’s trachea and causes it to gasp or shake its head. —

New York Times, 20 July 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gapeworm.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

gape entry 2 + worm entry 1

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of gapeworm was in 1873

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Gapeworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gapeworm. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

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Medical Definition

gapeworm

noun

gape·worm ˈgāp-ˌwərm

: a nematode worm of the genus Syngamus (S. trachea) that causes gapes of birds

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