hookworm

[ hoo k-wurm ]
/ ˈhʊkˌwɜrm /

noun

any of certain bloodsucking nematode worms, as Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus, parasitic in the intestine of humans and other animals.
Also called hookworm disease. a disease caused by hookworms, which may enter the body by ingestion or through the skin of the feet or legs, causing abdominal pain, nausea, and, if untreated, severe anemia.

Origin of hookworm

First recorded in 1900–05; hook1 + worm

OTHER WORDS FROM hookworm

hook·worm·y, adjective

Words nearby hookworm

hooknose, hooks, hookswinging, hooktender, hookup, hookworm, hookworm disease, hooky, hooley, hoolie, hooligan

Example sentences from the Web for hookworm

British Dictionary definitions for hookworm

hookworm
/ (ˈhʊkˌwɜːm) /

noun

any parasitic blood-sucking nematode worm of the family Ancylostomatidae, esp Ancylostoma duodenale or Necator americanus, both of which cause disease. They have hooked mouthparts and enter their hosts by boring through the skin

Medical definitions for hookworm

hookworm
[ huk′wûrm′ ]

n.

Any of numerous small parasitic nematodes of the family Ancylostomatidae having hooked mouthparts with which they fasten themselves to the intestinal walls of various hosts, including humans.

Scientific definitions for hookworm

hookworm
[ huk′wûrm′ ]

Any of numerous small, parasitic nematode worms of the family Ancylostomatidae, having hooked mouthparts with which they fasten themselves to the intestinal walls of various animals, including humans.