SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

whipworm

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noun whip·worm \ ˈhwip-ˌwərm , ˈwip- \

Definition of whipworm

:a parasitic nematode worm (genus Trichuris) with a body that is thickened posteriorly and that is very long and slender anteriorly; especially :one (T. trichiura) of the human intestine

Recent Examples of whipworm from the Web

One anecdote doesn’t make for proof, but by studying the man’s immune system Loke’s team generated several hypotheses about the whipworm’s effects.

— brandon keim, WIRED, "The Potential Health Benefits of Parasitic Gut Worms," 20 Nov. 2012

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'whipworm.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of whipworm

1875

Medical Dictionary

whipworm

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noun whip·worm \ -ˌwərm \

medical Definition of whipworm

:a parasitic nematode worm of the family Trichuridae with a body that is thickened posteriorly and that is very long and slender anteriorly; especially :one of the genus Trichuris (T. trichiura) that parasitizes the human intestine

Learn More about whipworm

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about whipworm

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