nematode

noun

nem·​a·​tode ˈne-mə-ˌtōd 

ˈnē-

: any of a phylum (Nematoda or Nemata) of elongated cylindrical worms parasitic in animals or plants or free-living in soil or water

called also roundworm

Examples of nematode in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Aerate and immediately water lawns that are compacted, hard to wet or have nematode problems. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2026

Marigolds, in addition to luring aphids and other pests away from zucchini plants, kill soil nematodes, destructive soil-dwelling worms, by releasing a chemical in the soil. —Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 19 May 2026

If using a sprayer, Kail recommends removing any fine filters or screens (usually 50-mesh or finer), as nematodes can get stuck in the mesh and perish. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 8 May 2026

The musky fragrance of marigolds will keep nematodes far away, eliminating one of the biggest threats to tomatoes. —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 4 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Greek nēmat-, nēma

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing nematode

• golden nematode
• meadow nematode
• root-knot nematode

Rhymes for nematode

• afterload
• episode
• internode
• microcode
• multimode
• nesselrode
• overflowed
• overload
• overrode
• radioed
• torpedoed
• trematode

Kids Definition

nematode

noun

nem·​a·​tode ˈnem-ə-ˌtōd 

: any of a major group of long cylinder-shaped worms that are parasites in animals or plants or live in soil or water

called also roundworm

Medical Definition

nematode

1 of 2 adjective

nem·​a·​tode ˈnem-ə-ˌtōd 

: of or relating to the phylum Nematoda

nematode

2 of 2 noun

: any worm of the phylum Nematoda