nematomorph

[nem-uh-tuh-mawrf, nuh-mat-uh-]

noun

Zoology.

1. any member of the phylum Nematomorpha, having a threadlike body, comprising the horsehair worms.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nematomorph¹

< New Latin Nematomorpha; nemato-, -morph

Example Sentences

In Japan, nematomorph worms goad their cricket hosts into jumping into streams, providing up to 60 percent of total calories for endangered Japanese char.

Read more on New York Times

Not only does the nematomorph worm help feed an endangered species, but by relieving pressure on other invertebrate species the fish eat, it also changes the stream’s overall ecology.

Read more on Scientific American