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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 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
Classified as a nematode, the roundworm caenorhabditis elegans (or c. elegans to its friends) might seem like just another tiny thing to someone who’s not looking at the current research around AI and neural network technology.
—John Werner, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024
Even the 302-neuron network of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has a modular structure.
—Max Bertolero, Scientific American, 1 July 2019
Try planting marigolds, which have a potent scent that repels nematodes, aphids and whiteflies.
—Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 7 Aug. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
ultimately from Greek nēmat-, nēma
First Known Use
1865, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing nematode
Dictionary Entries Near nematode
Cite this Entry
“Nematode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nematode. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on nematode
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nematode
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