lungworm

American  

[luhng-wurm] / ˈlʌŋˌwɜrm /

noun

1. any nematode worm of the superfamily Metastrongylidae, parasitic in the lungs of various mammals.

2. a nematode worm of the genus Rhabdias, parasitic in the lungs of reptiles and amphibians.

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lungworm British  

/ ˈlʌŋˌwɜːm /

noun

1. any parasitic nematode worm of the family Metastrongylidae, occurring in the lungs of mammals, esp Metastrongylus apri which infects pigs

2. any of certain other nematodes that are parasitic in the lungs

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Etymology

Origin of lungworm

First recorded in 1880–85; lung + worm

Example Sentences

The apple snail, an invasive species native to South America that can spread rat lungworm and whose eggs contain a rash-causing toxin, has been confirmed to be present in North Carolina.

From Washington Times • Oct. 4, 2023

The snail also carries a parasite, rat lungworm, that causes meningitis in humans and animals.

From New York Times • Jun. 21, 2023

They will also eat plaster and stucco in buildings, even tree bark, and carry a parasite called the rat lungworm that can cause meningitis in humans, according to the department.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 7, 2022

"He was given an x-ray to rule out any underlying injuries and luckily that came back all clear, he did, however, test positive for lungworm, so parasite treatment was given," Bernal said.

From Fox News • Jan. 6, 2022

But they're also known to carry a parasite with a rather menacing name: rat lungworm.

From BBC • Jul. 22, 2021