threadworm

1 8.1

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

noun
/ˈθrɛdˌwɜrm/

: oxiuros

The doctor mentioned that a threadworm infection can easily spread among family members if left untreated.

Examples

Here in Britain, it is known that an adult with no contact with primary school-age children is most likely to contract an infestation of threadworm from a vegetable stand in a supermarket.

Blog text (28)
Threadworm infestations are common in children and can cause itching around the rectum.
Many parents are advised to check their children for threadworms, especially if they notice discomfort at night.

Synonyms

pinworm

vsthreadworm

2 7.0

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

means the same concept but is a different common name for that organism

Enterobius vermicularis

vsthreadworm

Specialized

7.2

A small thin worm that lives in people's gut, often in children, and causes itching

is the broader name covering that species and similar human parasites

Enterobius

vsthreadworm

Specialized

9.9

A small thin worm that lives in the human intestine and causes itching around the anus

is the narrower human-focused term for similar small worms often in children

Surface Forms

threadworm singular

threadworms plural

Morphology

threadworm = thread + worm (transparent) = thread + worm

The compound literally describes a worm that is thread-like; learners who know 'thread' and 'worm' can infer the basic meaning.

Etymology

Threadworm comes from its two simple parts thread and worm, because the parasite is very thin 'like a thread'. So the name helps you remember it is a small worm that lives in the intestines and often infects children.