heartworm

2 4.2

A worm that lives in an animal's heart and blood vessels and makes it very ill

noun
/ˈhɑrtˌwɜrm/

Specialized

: dirofilaria

If your dog coughs excessively, it could be a sign of heartworm disease.
heartworm in dogs
heartworm pill
heartworm preventative

Examples

Each dog should also receive a basic exam from a veterinarian, along with a heartworm test.

Blog text (10)
" And heartworm treatment is not cheap.

Fiction book (2002)
Using a product such as Heartgard is strongly recommended in the fight against heartworm.

Blog text (32)
It's commonly known that mosquitoes can carry the heartworm larva that can infect and eventually kill your dog.

Blog text (32)
Django has tested positive for heartworm and will need injections for that condition after his burns heal, Baliles said.

Blog text (33)
Heartworm can cause severe health issues in dogs if not treated promptly.
Veterinarians recommend regular heartworm screenings for dogs, especially in warmer climates.

Synonyms

parasitic worm

vsheartworm

Specialized

1 4.4

A small animal that lives inside another animal and takes its food, often causing sickness

is a specific parasite found in heart and blood vessels of animals, notably dogs

Surface Forms

heartworm singular

heartworms plural

Morphology

heartworm = heart + worm (semi-transparent) = heart + worm

The components 'heart' and 'worm' are clear, but the specific medical meaning as a parasitic worm is specialized.

Etymology

Heartworm combines heart and worm, and literally means a 'worm' in the 'heart'. That's why it now refers to a harmful worm that lives in the heart and blood vessels of animals and can make them very sick.