What does roundworm mean?
A roundworm is a slender, cylindrical worm belonging to the nematode group, many of which are parasites. The term is especially common for the human intestinal roundworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, a parasite that can infect people through contaminated food, water, or soil. Its name reflects its long, rounded body rather than its habitat or behavior. Although roundworms are often discussed as a single familiar type of worm, the word can also refer more broadly to members of the nematode group, including many microscopic species. The expression is common in medicine, veterinary care, biology, and public-health discussions of parasitic infections. Knowing that “roundworm” is a general term for these cylindrical worms helps distinguish it from the earthworm, which belongs to a different animal group and normally lives in soil.
nounA roundworm is a parasitic or free-living worm belonging to the nematode group, typically with a slender, cylindrical body. In common usage, it often refers to the human intestinal roundworm, Ascaris lumbricoides.
- A parasitic or free-living worm of the nematode group, especially an intestinal roundworm.
- The human intestinal roundworm, Ascaris lumbricoides.
"The veterinarian identified the animal as a roundworm and prescribed an appropriate deworming treatment."
"The laboratory test confirmed that the child had been infected with a roundworm."
"Roundworms can enter the human body through food or soil contaminated with their eggs."
Used when referring to multiple worms or to infections involving more than one roundworm.
"The test detected roundworms in the sample."
The familiar human roundworm can grow to more than 30 centimeters long, despite being microscopic in its earliest stages.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does roundworm come from?
“Roundworm” is a compound formed in English from round, referring to the worm’s cylindrical shape, and worm. The compound is recorded in English by the early nineteenth century. Its development reflects the longstanding use of descriptive animal names, with the same spelling serving both as a broad term for nematodes and as the common name for the human intestinal roundworm.
How roundworm is actually used
In everyday medical and veterinary contexts, “roundworm” most often refers to an intestinal parasite. In biological contexts, it may be used more broadly for nematodes.
Easily confused with roundworm
A roundworm is generally a parasitic nematode, whereas an earthworm is a soil-dwelling annelid that helps aerate and enrich soil.