heartworm

[ hahrt-wurm ]

/ ˈhɑrtˌwɜrm /

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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.

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Origin of heartworm

First recorded in 1885–90; heart + worm

Words nearby heartworm

heart urchin, heartwarming, heart-water, heart-whole, heartwood, heartworm, heart-wrenching, hearty, heat, heat barrier, heat capacity

How to use heartworm in a sentence

It’s given to animals to prevent heartworm disease and to treat infections with other parasites.
Why it’s still so hard to find treatments for early COVID-19|Tina Hesman Saey|July 27, 2021|Science News
His medical history is a little spotty since they’ve done tests on him, some of which say he’s heartworm positive and others say negative.
For some dogs (and humans), the pandemic adoption rush was mostly a waiting game|Hau Chu|June 25, 2021|Washington Post
They can also check your pets for heartworm and make sure their vaccinations are up to date.
Hints From Heloise: Dating-site match was charming at first|Heloise Heloise|April 23, 2021|Washington Post
One is the famous heartworm that lodges in the heart of dogs.
Vampires without Glitter or Girl Problems: Inside Guillermo del Toro’s ‘The Strain’|Andrew Romano|July 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012