Definition

A type of long, thin worm that lives as a parasite in the stomachs of animals like cattle and sheep, and can also be found in water as adults.

Example

The farmer noticed that some of his sheep were infected with hairworms, which affected their health.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a hairworm?

No, what is that?

It's this weird worm that can live inside insects and control them.

That sounds pretty creepy! I hope I never encounter one.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hairworm is formed from "hair" (from Old English "hær", meaning the fine strands growing from the skin of humans and animals) and "worm" (from Old English "wyrm", meaning a serpent or snake). The term refers to a type of parasitic worm that resembles hair.

Memory Tip

Think of 'hair' as the fine strands and 'worm' as a serpent-like creature — this helps you remember that a hairworm is a worm that looks like hair.

Visually Confused Words