worm

worm definition - medical

worm (wûrm)

noun
  1. Any of various invertebrates, as those of the phyla Annelida, Nematoda, Nemertea, or Platyhelminthes, having a long, flexible, rounded or flattened body, often without obvious appendages.
  2. Any of various crawling insect larvae, such as a grub or caterpillar, having a soft, elongated body.
  3. Any of various unrelated animals, such as the shipworm or the slowworm, resembling a worm in habit or appearance.
  4. worms Infestation of the intestines or other parts of the body with worms or wormlike parasites; helminthiasis.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Comments
Improve this definition.
Do you have more to add? Share your linguistic knowledge or observation.
/Register to save your comments.
Related Discussions (1)
TopicRepliesLatest Post
Worm101 week ago

Browse Forums