hookworm

noun

hook·​worm ˈhu̇k-ˌwərm 

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

Examples of hookworm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hotez has led or is currently leading development of vaccines for hookworm, schistosomiasis, Chagas disease, and SARS. —Peter Hotez, TIME, 2 May 2024

Drug-resistant hookworms are spreading among pet dogs, and researchers have traced their origins to greyhounds raised for racing. —Laura Helmuth, Scientific American, 1 June 2023

Critically, the point of this research wasn’t to evaluate whether or not hookworm therapy works. —Sarah Sloat, Health, 26 July 2023

Some support for this theory comes from anecdotes offered by experts who infected themselves with hookworms to distract their overactive immune systems. —Andrew Van Dam, Washington Post, 8 Sep. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

hookworm

noun

hook·​worm -ˌwərm 

1

: a parasitic nematode worm having strong hooks or plates about the mouth

2

: a diseased state marked by blood loss, paleness, and weakness due to hookworms in the intestine

called also hookworm disease

Medical Definition

hookworm

noun

hook·​worm ˈhu̇k-ˌwərm 

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