hookworm

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

Examples of hookworm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Birmingham: Researchers are once again trying to determine whether the state’s Black Belt region has a problem with intestinal parasites called hookworm. — USA TODAY, "Poultry pardons, synthetic frogs, Freedom Rocks: News from around our 50 states," 26 Nov. 2019 The vet team later discovered that the poodle was also suffering from hookworms and skin sores. — Fox News, "Neglected dog gets adopted after 'Cinderella' makeover," 28 July 2019 Oceans have absorbed 60 percent more heat than previously thought, which is causing more fur seals to suffer from hookworm. — Rafil Kroll-zaidi, Harper's magazine, "Findings," 10 Jan. 2019 Kelli later took to Facebook to warn others about hookworms and requesting prayers. — Caitlin Wolper, Teen Vogue, "Hookworms Buried Themselves Into a Tennessee Teen's Skin," 28 July 2018 These crippling and even fatal diseases include African sleeping sickness, a brain-eating amoeba, hookworm, roundworms that infiltrate the lymphatic system, and malaria. — Bradley J. Fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "UCSD steps up fight against tropical parasitical diseases," 4 July 2018 One gram of dog poop can contain up to 23 million fecal coliform bacteria, and dog poop is also a common carrier of whipworms, hookworms, roundworms, parvo, coronavirus, giardia, salmonella, cryptosporidium, and campylobacter. — Wes Siler, Outside Online, "It’s Time to Talk About Dog Poop," 27 Mar. 2018 That said, most species of hookworms can't migrate that far in humans and tend to just squirm around aimlessly in skin tissue. — Beth Mole, Ars Technica, "Couple freaks after tabloids spread medical pics of their worm-infested bums," 1 Mar. 2018 Beaches and sandboxes are common places to find parasitic hookworms. — Macaela Mackenzie, Allure, "Couple Posts Horrifying Photos of Hookworm-Infected Feet After Walking on Beach Without Shoes," 30 Jan. 2018

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.

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Last Updated

30 Nov 2019

Cite this Entry

“Hookworm.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hookworm. Accessed 18 January 2020.

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More Definitions for hookworm

hookworm

noun

hook·worm | \ ˈhu̇k-ˌwərm

Kids Definition of hookworm

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

hookworm

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

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