nematode

noun

nem·​a·​tode ˈne-mə-ˌtōd How to pronounce nematode (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Beneficial nematodes and a few other biocontrols can be refrigerated for a few days. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025 These letters indicate resistance to verticillium wilt, fusarium wilt, nematodes, tobacco mosaic virus, and alternaria (or early blight). Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 July 2025 Previous research has documented individual nematodes hitchhiking on insects. Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 5 June 2025 Soil from the landscape and top soils may contain insects, diseases, nematodes and weeds. Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for nematode

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Greek nēmat-, nēma

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nematode was in 1865

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Cite this Entry

“Nematode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nematode. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

nematode

noun
nem·​a·​tode ˈnem-ə-ˌtōd How to pronounce nematode (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce nematode (audio)
: of or relating to the phylum Nematoda

nematode

2 of 2 noun
: any worm of the phylum Nematoda

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