helminth

noun

hel·​minth ˈhel-ˌmin(t)th How to pronounce helminth (audio)
: a parasitic worm (such as a tapeworm, liver fluke, ascarid, or leech)
especially : an intestinal worm
helminthic adjective

Examples of helminth 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.
As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes, there are two delightful categories of these helminths. Ars Technica, 21 Feb. 2025 Helminths awake the regulatory side of the immune system. Brandon Keim, WIRED, 20 Nov. 2012

Word History

Etymology

Greek helminth-, helmis

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of helminth was in 1852

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Cite this Entry

“Helminth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helminth. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

helminth

noun
hel·​minth ˈhel-ˌmin(t)th How to pronounce helminth (audio)
plural helminths
: a parasitic worm (as a tapeworm, liver fluke, ascarid, or leech)
especially : one that parasitizes the intestine of a vertebrate
helminthic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on helminth

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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