What does eelworm mean?
An eelworm is any of various small, threadlike nematode worms that parasitize plants, feeding on roots, bulbs, tubers, stems, or leaves. The name reflects their slender, wriggling shape, reminiscent of miniature eels. Eelworms are of great practical importance in agriculture and horticulture: species such as the potato cyst nematode can devastate staple crops, while others attack onions, strawberries, chrysanthemums, and many other plants, producing stunted growth, swelling, rot, or wilting. Because the worms are microscopic or nearly so, infestations are usually identified by crop symptoms rather than direct observation. Control relies on crop rotation, resistant varieties, certified clean seed, and soil testing. The term is most common in British and Commonwealth agricultural writing; North American usage generally prefers the more scientific word "nematode." Though unglamorous, "eelworm" is a useful word for anyone reading about plant pathology, gardening, or farming, where it names one of the most widespread and economically significant groups of plant pests.
nounAny of numerous tiny, slender nematode worms that infest the roots, stems, bulbs, or leaves of plants, causing damage to crops such as potatoes, onions, and strawberries. The term is especially used in agriculture and horticulture for plant-parasitic roundworms.
- A plant-parasitic nematode worm, especially one attacking agricultural or garden crops.
- (More generally) any small, threadlike nematode worm, particularly in older British agricultural usage.
"The onion crop was ruined by an eelworm infestation that had gone unnoticed in the soil for two seasons."
"Farmers rotated their fields every three years to keep the potato eelworm population under control."
"The nursery's chrysanthemums wilted mysteriously until lab tests revealed leaf eelworm in the stems."
The plural follows regular English formation; the singular is also used collectively when discussing infestations.
"Eelworms thrive in warm, moist soils and spread easily on infected planting material."
Barely visible to the naked eye, eelworms have nonetheless destroyed entire harvests — they were so devastating to Britain's potato crops that strict quarantine rules still govern seed potatoes today.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of eelworm
The word is a straightforward English compound of "eel," referring to the worm's slender, sinuous shape, and "worm," formed within English to describe these threadlike nematodes. It arose in agricultural and scientific usage, becoming established during the nineteenth century as plant parasitology developed and the role of nematodes in crop damage became understood. It has no deep classical root of its own, though "nematode" (from Greek nema, "thread") is its learned synonym.
How eelworm is actually used
"Eelworm" is chiefly a technical and agricultural term, common in British farming and gardening literature; American usage tends to favor "nematode." It is applied collectively as well as to individual worms.
Easily confused with eelworm
A wireworm is the tough, yellow-brown larva of a click beetle, whereas an eelworm is a microscopic to minute nematode worm.