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

Looking for varieties that resist root knot nematode or verticillium wilt or early blight or other common tomato problems? —Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026

To do so, Vidal-Gadea would knock out genes in nematodes, then have those worms attempt to burrow in dirt or go for a swim to see what happened to their muscles. —Megan Molteni, STAT, 27 Mar. 2026

In this case, the marigolds act as guardian plants, attracting thrips and nematodes to the marigolds rather than to the strawberry. —Haniya Rae, Martha Stewart, 12 Mar. 2026

Consider selecting varieties resistant to fusarium and verticillium wilts, tobacco mosaic virus, and/or nematodes. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 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