gapeworm

[ geyp-wurm, gap- ]

noun

1. a nematode worm, Syngamus trachea, that causes gapes. gape.

gapeworm

/ ˈɡeɪpˌwɜːm /

noun

1. a parasitic nematode worm, Syngamus trachea, that lives in the trachea of birds and causes gapes in domestic fowl: family Syngamidae

Word History and Origins

Origin of gapeworm¹

First recorded in 1870–75; gape + worm

Example Sentences

He and other rehabbers are overloaded with waterfowl riddled with gapeworm, a parasite that lives and breeds in a bird’s trachea and causes it to gasp or shake its head.

From New York Times