nematode
noun
nem·a·tode ˈne-mə-ˌtōd 
ˈnē-
: any of a phylum (Nematoda or Nemata) of elongated cylindrical worms parasitic in animals or plants or free-living in soil or water
called also roundworm
Examples of nematode in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The disease is caused by a tiny wormlike nematode that burrows into buds and leaves, cutting off photosynthesis. —
Jacob Wycoff, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026 Marigolds protect tomatoes by repelling pests and suppressing harmful nematodes in the soil. —Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 15 Apr. 2026 Often recommended as a pest-repelling companion plant, marigolds are particularly good at decreasing nematode populations in the soil and preventing ongoing pest issues. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Apr. 2026 Chalasani’s lab at Salk in La Jolla has shown, first in nematodes and then in mice, how this combination of proteins and sound can allow activation and deactivation of individual cells to treat conditions without surgery. —Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nematode
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Jacob Wycoff, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026 Marigolds protect tomatoes by repelling pests and suppressing harmful nematodes in the soil. —Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 15 Apr. 2026 Often recommended as a pest-repelling companion plant, marigolds are particularly good at decreasing nematode populations in the soil and preventing ongoing pest issues. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Apr. 2026 Chalasani’s lab at Salk in La Jolla has shown, first in nematodes and then in mice, how this combination of proteins and sound can allow activation and deactivation of individual cells to treat conditions without surgery. —Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nematode
Cite this Entry
“Nematode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/nematode. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
nematode
noun
nem·a·tode ˈnem-ə-ˌtōd
: any of a major group of long cylinder-shaped worms that are parasites in animals or plants or live in soil or water
called also roundworm
Medical Definition
nematode
1 of 2 adjective
nem·a·tode ˈnem-ə-ˌtōd
: of or relating to the phylum Nematoda
nematode
2 of 2 noun
: any worm of the phylum Nematoda
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
