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

Rattlesnakes were also the species most frequently infected with Ro, an invasive crustacean parasite commonly known as snake lungworm.

From Science Daily • May 26, 2026

Humans should not eat the snails raw, as they carry rat lungworm that can cause a potentially fatal disease in people.

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

Rat lungworm can affect the brain and spinal cord, according to the State of Hawaii Department of Health.

From Fox News • Oct. 4, 2018