What does tapeworm mean?
A tapeworm is a parasitic flatworm belonging to the cestodes. It has a long, segmented, ribbon-like body and usually lives in the intestines of a vertebrate host. Unlike many animals, it lacks a digestive tract and absorbs nutrients through the surface of its body. Some species infect humans, often after a person consumes undercooked meat or food contaminated with tapeworm eggs. The word also has a figurative, derogatory meaning: a person portrayed as a parasite who exploits others for personal advantage. In everyday use, “tapeworm” is the familiar name for these worms, while “cestode” is the more technical zoological term and “taenia” is encountered in specialized biological and medical contexts. The word is prominent in discussions of parasitology, food safety, public health, and intestinal infections, as well as in political and social criticism.
nounA tapeworm is a parasitic flatworm with a long, segmented, ribbon-like body that inhabits the intestines of vertebrates. Figuratively, the word denotes a person regarded as a parasite or as living profitably off others.
- A parasitic flatworm with a long, segmented body, typically living in the intestines of a vertebrate host.
- A contemptible person who is characterized as a parasite or as exploiting others.
"The doctor explained that the tapeworm had been contracted through contaminated food or water."
"Laboratory analysis confirmed that the patient had a beef tapeworm infection."
"The novel portrays the ambitious lobbyist as a political tapeworm who feeds on other people's ideas."
The standard plural is formed by adding -s; the ending changes to -s even after words ending in -w.
"Veterinarians screen for tapeworms in pets and livestock."
Tapeworms have no digestive tract, so they absorb nutrients directly through their segmented bodies.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tapeworm come from?
The English word developed in Middle English from tape, meaning a narrow ribbon or strip, and worm. The compound refers to the characteristic ribbon-like shape of the animal, while the second element names the organism as a worm.
Related word forms
How tapeworm is actually used
The literal sense is standard in medicine and biology. The figurative sense is strongly derogatory and usually describes someone considered selfish, exploitative, or dependent on others.