hookworm

/ˌhʊkˈwʌrm/

/ˈhʊkwəm/

Other forms: hookworms

Definitions of hookworm

1. noun

   parasitic bloodsucking roundworms having hooked mouth parts to fasten to the intestinal wall of human and other hosts
   type of:

   nematode, nematode worm, roundworm

   unsegmented worms with elongated rounded body pointed at both ends; mostly free-living but some are parasitic
2. noun

   infestation of the intestines by hookworms which enter the body (usually) through the skin
   synonyms: hookworm disease

   type of:

   helminthiasis

   infestation of the body with parasitic worms