pinworm

American  

[pin-wurm] / ˈpɪnˌwɜrm /

noun

1. a small nematode worm, Enterobius vermicularis, infesting the intestine and migrating to the rectum and anus, especially in children.

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pinworm British  

/ ˈpɪnˌwɜːm /

noun

1. Also called: threadworm.  a parasitic nematode worm, Enterobius vermicularis, infecting the colon, rectum, and anus of humans: family Oxyuridae

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Etymology

Origin of pinworm

First recorded in 1905–10; pin + worm

Example Sentences

One 2014 study found many different versions of these tests accurately detected the parasites causing pinworm close to 100% of the time.

From Salon • May 18, 2025

A few months ago, I treated a patient for a case of pinworm, a parasitic infestation that affects roughly 400 million people worldwide, with 40 million of those cases occurring within the United States.

From Slate • Sep. 23, 2015

"I get a fair amount of calls about lice all year long, and I treat to a lesser extent pinworm and ringworm," said Sguigna, whose office is in Rockville.

From Washington Post • Jan. 26, 2010

Lice, scabies, pinworm and fungi such ringworm lurk in the environment, attaching themselves to new hosts every day, from grown-ups to little children.

From Washington Post • Jan. 26, 2010