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

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

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these hookworm larvae cause skin lesions and swelling and most often enter people through their feet, butt (whaaaat), or any other part of the body that has been in contact with the contaminated area. —Lauren Sigfusson, Discover Magazine, 31 Jan. 2018

But other important drivers of anemia include blood disorders such as sickle cell disease or thalassemias, infectious diseases like malaria and hookworm, gynecologic and obstetric conditions, inflammation and chronic diseases. —Nicholas Kassebaum, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2023

Half the patients received hookworms for the treatment and half got a placebo. —Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 31 July 2023

While most people may originally balk at the idea of being infected with hookworm larvae, a new study indicated that hookworms could be a breakthrough treatment for individuals with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease—the main types of IBD. —Sarah Sloat, Health, 26 July 2023

The waste pooling in yards may have contributed to a rise in hookworm in the population. —Dennis Pillion | [e-mail], al, 7 June 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