nematode

[ nem-uh-tohd ]

noun

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

adjective

1. pertaining to the Nematoda.

nematode

/ ˈnɛməˌtəʊd /

noun

1. 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 callednematode wormroundworm

nematode

/ nĕm′ə-tōd′ /

1. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nematode¹

First recorded in 1860–65; nemat- + -ode ¹

Example Sentences

Compared to classic models for aging studies, including nematode worms, fruit flies, or mice, dogs are far closer to humans on the evolutionary scale.

From Singularity Hub 

The nematodes first roamed randomly, but over the course of an hour, some began clustering in the middle.

From Science News

The investigators were also unsure of how the nematodes infiltrated the breeding facility.

From Popular-Science

For instance, if we sequence only 69,999 of the 70,000 species of nematode, we might miss the one that could divulge the secrets of how nematodes can cause diseases in animals and plants.

From Singularity Hub 

Kern says the nematodes are healthier and longer lived with this pathway suppressed, considering they can no longer void their guts.

From Popular-Science

A few of the nematode species are free, living under stones and among seaweeds at about low-water mark.

From Project Gutenberg

The Trichina is a nematode worm, and not an insect, as it was at first called.

From Project Gutenberg

Heterodera Schachtii is the name given to a nematode which Mons.

From Project Gutenberg

While speaking of these worms, I will allude to a nematode which I observed under very singular circumstances.

From Project Gutenberg

The vinegar eel is another nematode worm which has some affinity with the preceding ones.

From Project Gutenberg