pinworm

noun

pin·​worm ˈpin-ˌwərm How to pronounce pinworm (audio)
1
: any of numerous small nematode worms (family Oxyuridae) that infest the intestines and especially the cecum of various vertebrates
especially : a worm (Enterobius vermicularis) parasitic in humans
2
: any of several rather slender insect larvae that burrow in plant tissue

Examples of pinworm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The most common parasitic infection in the United States, says De Latour, are probably pinworms, or white, parasitic worms that are found in the large intestine and can cause anal itching. Ej Dickson, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2023 But pinworms are most often found in preschool-aged children, says De Latour, and the worms are about the thickness of a dime — a far cry from the thick, lengthy, creepy-crawlies seen in the TikTok Shop videos. Ej Dickson, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2023 The pinworm is a white, small, and delicate parasite, measuring 8 to 13 mm (with the smaller male 2 to 5 mm). Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 6 Apr. 2017 Itching in the anal area is the most common indication of a pinworm infection. Samantha Lauriello, Health, 9 May 2023 Common intestinal helminth parasites include Enterobius vermicularis (the pinworm), Ancylostoma duodenale (the Old World hookworm), Necator americanus (the New World hookworm), Taenia saginata (the beef tapeworm), and Ascaris lumbricoides (the giant roundworm). Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 6 Apr. 2017 The pinworm is the most common intestinal parasite, followed closely by the hookworm. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 6 Apr. 2017 For paleoarcheologists, coprolites provide vital information about early human migration, thanks to another kind of nematode, the pinworm. Jerome Groopman, The New Yorker, 5 Dec. 2022 That analysis revealed the presence of parasitic eggs from four different species: whipworm, beef/pork tapeworm, roundworm, and pinworm. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 11 Feb. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pinworm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pinworm was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near pinworm

Cite this Entry

“Pinworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pinworm. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

pinworm

noun
pin·​worm -ˌwərm How to pronounce pinworm (audio)
: any of numerous small roundworms that infest the intestines of various vertebrates
especially : one that infests human beings

Medical Definition

pinworm

noun
pin·​worm ˈpin-ˌwərm How to pronounce pinworm (audio)
: any of numerous small nematode worms of the family Oxyuridae that have the tail of the female prolonged into a sharp point and infest the intestines and especially the cecum of various vertebrates
especially : a worm of the genus Enterobius (E. vermicularis) that is parasitic in humans

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