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
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Theories for how the nematodes travel include in the mouths of birds, via birds’ guts, or spread directly by the wind.
—
Robert Sullivan, Curbed, 9 June 2025
In other words, are the towering nematodes behaving socially to help each other out, or are their towers more akin to a Black Friday sale stampede?
—Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
Ask an urban forester about the nematode and the answer may be oddly upbeat: If beech trees die, the forest will change.
—Robert Sullivan, Curbed, 9 June 2025
Beneficial nematodes and a few other biocontrols can be refrigerated for a few days.
—Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025
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Robert Sullivan, Curbed, 9 June 2025
In other words, are the towering nematodes behaving socially to help each other out, or are their towers more akin to a Black Friday sale stampede?
—Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 5 June 2025
Ask an urban forester about the nematode and the answer may be oddly upbeat: If beech trees die, the forest will change.
—Robert Sullivan, Curbed, 9 June 2025
Beneficial nematodes and a few other biocontrols can be refrigerated for a few days.
—Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for nematode
Cite this Entry
“Nematode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nematode. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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
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