hairworm

noun

hair·​worm ˈher-ˌwərm 

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 digestive tract of fowls and tissue and organ parasites of mammals

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Swimming with the fishesSpinochordodes tellinii, also known as a hairworm, are free-living aquatic organisms as adults, who, as nematodes, eek out an existence in the mud. —Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 31 Oct. 2015

Paragordius obamai, a hairworm that lives inside the stomachs of African crickets. —Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2017

For his part, Obama also has a trapdoor spider, a species of lichen, a puffbird, a parasitic hairworm that infects crickets, and an extinct lizard called Obamadon named after him. —Richard Pyle, National Geographic, 2 Sep. 2016

Word History

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

hairworm

noun

hair·​worm ˈha(ə)r-ˌwərm 

ˈhe(ə)r-

: any of various very long slender worms (as a horsehair worm)

Medical Definition

hairworm

noun

hair·​worm ˈha(ə)r-ˌwərm, ˈhe(ə)r- 

1

: any nematode worm of the genus Capillaria

2

: horsehair worm