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.
Ask an urban forester about the nematode and the answer may be oddly upbeat: If beech trees die, the forest will change. Robert Sullivan, Curbed, 9 June 2025 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 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 24 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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