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

One of the most problematic issues with grocery store garlic is that it is potentially contaminated with plant viruses and other diseases, as well as nematodes and other pests. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2025

Vegetable rootstocks resistant to nematodes or soil fungus can be planted in soil where, due to these pests, the plants would not grow. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 8 Aug. 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

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