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

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

While chemical sprays can be harsh on the environment, Schwartz notes that nematodes do the job naturally while keeping the soil's ecosystem in balance. —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

Often recommended as a pest-repelling companion plant, marigolds are particularly good at decreasing nematode populations in the soil and preventing ongoing pest issues. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Apr. 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