lungworm

[ luhng-wurm ]

noun

1. any nematode worm of the superfamily Metastrongylidae, parasitic in the lungs of various mammals.
2. a nematode worm of the genus Rhabdias, parasitic in the lungs of reptiles and amphibians.

lungworm

/ ˈlʌŋˌwɜːm /

noun

1. any parasitic nematode worm of the family Metastrongylidae, occurring in the lungs of mammals, esp Metastrongylus apri which infects pigs
2. any of certain other nematodes that are parasitic in the lungs

Word History and Origins

Origin of lungworm¹

First recorded in 1880–85; lung + worm

Example Sentences

The apple snail, an invasive species native to South America that can spread rat lungworm and whose eggs contain a rash-causing toxin, has been confirmed to be present in North Carolina.

From Washington Times

Humans should not eat the snails raw, as they carry rat lungworm that can cause a potentially fatal disease in people.

From Washington Times

The snail also carries a parasite, rat lungworm, that causes meningitis in humans and animals.

From New York Times

They will also eat plaster and stucco in buildings, even tree bark, and carry a parasite called the rat lungworm that can cause meningitis in humans, according to the department.

From Seattle Times

They can also carry a parasite, rat lungworm, that causes meningitis in humans and animals — if, say, people eat unwashed lettuce or other produce that the carrier snail has slid across, leaving behind a trail of slime.

From New York Times