pinworm

[ pin-wurm ]

noun

1. a small nematode worm, Enterobius vermicularis, infesting the intestine and migrating to the rectum and anus, especially in children.

pinworm

/ ˈpɪnˌwɜːm /

noun

1. a parasitic nematode worm, Enterobius vermicularis, infecting the colon, rectum, and anus of humans: family Oxyuridae Also calledthreadworm

Word History and Origins

Origin of pinworm¹

First recorded in 1905–10; pin + worm

Example Sentences

Yet relatively few biologists—and hardly anyone else—are more than faintly aware of parasites beyond the tiny sliver of species such as tapeworms, pinworms and hookworms that are irksome or harmful to humans.

From Scientific American

This novel’s density is saturnalian; its satire nimble; academics will tug at its themes, as if they were pinworms, for decades.

From New York Times

Two others promote the use of ivermectin, a drug often used to fight lice and pinworms, to treat coronavirus patients, despite the National Institutes of Health’s recommendation against its use outside clinical trials.

From New York Times

Months into isolation, parents have told me that their kids have come down with mystery fevers, strep throat, lice, pinworms and roseola.

From New York Times

An affidavit says the older child told Department of Human Services workers that she ate dog feces and said the arresting officer noted the child had parasitic pinworms.

From Seattle Times