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Glite Dictionary
Enterobius vermicularis

Enterobius vermicularis

7.2
A small thin worm that lives in people's gut, often in children, and causes itching
  • noun
  • /ˌɛntəˈroʊbiəs vərˈmɪkjʊlɛrɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Enterobius vermicularis
  • Proper hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of Enterobius vermicularis in schools.

Examples

  • Enterobius vermicularis infections are most commonly seen in young children and can cause severe itching.

  • Doctors often recommend treatment for Enterobius vermicularis to alleviate symptoms and prevent reinfection.

  • The doctor confirmed that the symptoms were caused by Enterobius vermicularis.

  • The Enterobius vermicularis infection is common in young children.

  • Have you heard about Enterobius vermicularis?

  • Enterobius vermicularis is known to cause discomfort and sleepless nights in infected children.

  • The presence of Enterobius vermicularis can lead to significant itching around the anus.

Synonyms

pinworm
vsEnterobius vermicularis
  • US
2 7.0

A very small thin animal that lives in the intestines of children

is the scientific species name for the same parasite
threadworm
vsEnterobius vermicularis
  • UK
1 8.1

A small worm that lives in the intestines of people, especially children

is more descriptive, focusing on threadlike shape rather than biological terminology

Surface Forms

Enterobius vermicularis singular
Enterobius vermicularis plural

Morphology

Enterobius + vermicularis

This is a Latin scientific binomial (genus + species) used as a technical taxonomic name rather than a normal English compositional phrase, so its everyday meaning 'pinworm' is not transparently derived. The second element ('vermicularis') is Latin/unknown to learners and the name follows scientific naming conventions rather than standard lexical composition, making it unpredictable for a B1 learner even if they recognize 'Enterobius' as a parasitic worm.

Etymology

Enterobius vermicularis comes from old word parts that mean 'intestine' (Entero-) and 'worm' (-vermicularis), so it gives the simple picture of a tiny worm living in the intestines. That's why the name refers to the small worm that lives in people and often causes itching, especially in children.