lungworm

noun

lung·​worm ˈləŋ-ˌwərm How to pronounce lungworm (audio)
: any of various nematodes that infest the lungs and air passages of mammals

Examples of lungworm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web A number of dead rodents collected at the Atlanta zoo turned out to have rat lungworm infections. Eric Bangeman, Ars Technica, 25 Dec. 2023 Rat lungworm was first identified in Asia and is prevalent in Southeast Asia and tropical Pacific islands, per the CDC. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Sep. 2023 The lungworm cannot pass from person to person, and fish do not spread it. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Sep. 2023 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the snails can carry the rat lungworm parasite, which is known to cause parasitic meningitis in people who eat raw or undercooked snails. USA TODAY, 1 July 2023 See all Example Sentences for lungworm 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lungworm.' 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

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lungworm was in 1882

Dictionary Entries Near lungworm

Cite this Entry

“Lungworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lungworm. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

lungworm

noun
lung·​worm -ˌwərm How to pronounce lungworm (audio)
: any of various nematodes especially of the family Metastrongylidae that infest the lungs and air passages of mammals: as
a
: a nematode of the genus Dictyocaulus
b
: a lungworm of the genus Metastrongylus (M. apri synonym M. elongatus) that infests swine and causes bronchitis

More from Merriam-Webster on lungworm

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!