heartworm
Americannoun
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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.
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the disease caused by infection with heartworm.
noun
Etymology
Origin of heartworm
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Three months and one heartworm treatment later, I carried Bob to the adoption event in Prospect Park.
From Slate • Sep. 4, 2025
Since heartworm can’t be transmitted via transfusion, he said, no recipient dogs were affected.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2024
Beyond the itchiness, they spread serious diseases and can even transmit heartworm to cats and dogs.
From The Verge • Jun. 3, 2022
He was only 10, but he had prostate cancer that metastasized into his lungs, a urinary tract infection and severe arthritis, plus he was heartworm positive.
From Washington Times • May 1, 2017
Stevie had been found in a dump with her brother, Seamus, who had heartworm and was left behind.
From Washington Post
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
