hookworm

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noun hook·worm \ ˈhu̇k-ˌwərm \

Definition of hookworm

1 :any of several parasitic nematode worms (family Ancylostomatidae) that have strong buccal hooks or plates for attaching to the host's intestinal lining and that include serious bloodsucking pests

2 :infestation with or disease caused by hookworms; especially :a lethargic anemic state in humans due to blood loss from hookworms feeding in the small intestine

See hookworm defined for kids

Recent Examples of hookworm from the Web

Emergencies requiring blood donations run the gamut, and include flea and tick anemia, severe hookworm infections, cancer, and being hit by a car.

— Southern Living, "Meet The Woman Behind Oklahoma’s Only Blood Bank for Dogs," 24 Aug. 2017
Mebendazole is an antiparisitc drug developed in 1972 to treat infections from pinworms, hookworms, roundworms and the like.

— meredith cohn, baltimoresun.com, "Can a pinworm drug help brain cancer patients like John McCain?," 20 July 2017
Other infections, such as hookworms and roundworms, can be transmitted in a practice called coprophagia, in which animals ingest one another’s stool or by licking each others’ anuses, Dr. Nandi said in an email.

— christopher mele, New York Times, "Should You Let Your Dog Lick Your Face?," 21 Oct. 2016

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

First Known Use of hookworm

1902

HOOKWORM Defined for Kids

hookworm

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noun hook·worm \ ˈhu̇k-ˌwərm \

Definition of hookworm for Students

:a small worm that lives in the intestines and makes people sick by sucking their blood

Medical Dictionary

hookworm

play

noun hook·worm \ ˈhu̇k-ˌwərm \

medical Definition of hookworm

1 :any of several parasitic nematode worms of the family Ancylostomatidae that have strong buccal hooks or plates for attaching to the host's intestinal lining and that include serious bloodsucking pests

2 :ancylostomiasis