heartworm

[ hahrt-wurm ]
/ ˈhɑrtˌwɜrm /

noun

a parasitic nematode, Dirofilaria immitis, transmitted by mosquito and invading the heart and pulmonary arteries of dogs, wolves, and foxes throughout its range in tropical, subtropical and, more recently, temperate regions around the world.
the disease caused by infection with heartworm.

Origin of heartworm

First recorded in 1885–90; heart + worm

Words nearby heartworm

heartstopper, heartstrings, heartthrob, heartwarming, heartwood, heartworm, hearty, heat, heat barrier, heat capacity, heat cramp

Example sentences from the Web for heartworm

  • In France it is called le ver du cœur (the heartworm), because it penetrates in between leaves pressed closely together.

    The Insect World |Louis Figuier

British Dictionary definitions for heartworm

heartworm
/ (ˈhɑːtˌwɜːm) /

noun

a parasitic nematode worm, Dirofilaria immitis, that lives in the heart and bloodstream of vertebrates