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

Old pots can sometimes harbor harmful nematodes or bacteria that may interfere with the health and growth of your African violets. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Feb. 2026

Treat your lawn for grubs with a biological control like beneficial nematodes or milky spore, says Dolshun. —Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 7 Feb. 2026

Purchase new seeds for the garden where possible with disease and nematode resistance. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026

Scientists at the Centre for Genomic Regulation in Barcelona and the University of Cambridge demonstrated the approach in the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Dec. 2025

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