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

Giant African snails also may carry and transmit a parasitic nematode that causes meningitis in humans. —Alan Clemons, Outdoor Life, 20 Feb. 2025

Root knot nematodes live in the soil and feed on fig roots. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 12 Feb. 2025

In addition to marigolds deterring nematodes, other aromatic plants such as basil and rosemary have been shown to repel pests like aphids and whiteflies. —Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2025

One surprising result is that the number of genes required to encode a tiny nematode worm, a fish and a human being is about the same. —Christian Edwards, CNN, 7 Oct. 2024

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