hookworm
noun
hook·worm
ˈhu̇k-ˌwərm 
1
: any of several parasitic nematode worms (family Ancylostomatidae) that have strong buccal hooks or plates for attaching to the host's intestinal lining and that include serious bloodsucking pests
2
: infestation with or disease caused by hookworms
especially
: a lethargic anemic state in humans due to blood loss from hookworms feeding in the small intestine
Examples of hookworm in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In addition to risks of hookworms and roundworms, pets are also vulnerable to whipworm, giardia and coccidia.
—
Julia Wuerz, The Conversation, 6 Feb. 2024
Intestinal parasites like hookworms and whipworms rank among the world’s most pressing public health crises.
—Kate Golembiewski, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2024
Hotez has led or is currently leading development of vaccines for hookworm, schistosomiasis, Chagas disease, and SARS.
—Peter Hotez, TIME, 2 May 2024
Drug-resistant hookworms are spreading among pet dogs, and researchers have traced their origins to greyhounds raised for racing.
—Laura Helmuth, Scientific American, 1 June 2023
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Julia Wuerz, The Conversation, 6 Feb. 2024
Intestinal parasites like hookworms and whipworms rank among the world’s most pressing public health crises.
—Kate Golembiewski, Discover Magazine, 1 Aug. 2024
Hotez has led or is currently leading development of vaccines for hookworm, schistosomiasis, Chagas disease, and SARS.
—Peter Hotez, TIME, 2 May 2024
Drug-resistant hookworms are spreading among pet dogs, and researchers have traced their origins to greyhounds raised for racing.
—Laura Helmuth, Scientific American, 1 June 2023
See all Example Sentences for hookworm
Dictionary Entries Near hookworm
Cite this Entry
“Hookworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hookworm. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hookworm
noun
hook·worm
-ˌwərm
1
: a parasitic nematode worm having strong hooks or plates about the mouth
2
: a diseased state marked by blood loss, paleness, and weakness due to hookworms in the intestine
called also hookworm disease
Medical Definition
hookworm
noun
hook·worm
ˈhu̇k-ˌwərm
1
: any of several parasitic nematode worms of the family Ancylostomatidae that have strong buccal hooks or plates for attaching to the host's intestinal lining and that include serious bloodsucking pests
2
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