nematode

[ nem-uh-tohd ]
/ ˈnɛm əˌtoʊd /

noun

any unsegmented worm of the phylum Nematoda, having an elongated, cylindrical body; a roundworm.

adjective

pertaining to the Nematoda.

Origin of nematode

First recorded in 1860–65; nemat- + -ode1

Example sentences from the Web for nematode

British Dictionary definitions for nematode

nematode
/ (ˈnɛməˌtəʊd) /

noun

any unsegmented worm of the phylum (or class) Nematoda, having a tough outer cuticle. The group includes free-living forms and disease-causing parasites, such as the hookworm and filaria Also called: nematode worm, roundworm

Medical definitions for nematode

nematode
[ nĕmə-tōd′ ]

n.

A parasitic worm of the class Nematoda. roundworm

Scientific definitions for nematode

nematode
[ nĕmə-tōd′ ]

Any of several slender, cylindrical worms of the group Nematoda, which some scientists consider to be a class of the aschelminths and others to be a separate phylum. Most nematodes are tiny and live in enormous numbers in water, soil, plants, and animals. They have a simple structure, with a long hollow gut separated from the body wall by a fluid-filled space. Several nematodes, such as pinworm, roundworm, filaria, and hookworm, are parasites on animals and humans and cause disease. One species, Caenorhabditis elegans (usually called C. elegans), was one of the first animals to have its entire genome sequenced and is important in biological research as a model organism.