Definition

A type of roundworm that lives in the lungs of mammals and can cause health problems for the host.

Example

The veterinarian diagnosed the dog with a lungworm infection after noticing its coughing and difficulty breathing.

Conversation

Have you heard about the lungworm?

No, what's that?

It's a type of worm that can infect the lungs of animals.

Wow, I had no idea! That sounds pretty serious.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Lungworm → The word is formed from "lung" (from Old English "lungen", meaning the organ of respiration) and "worm" (from Old English "wyrm", meaning a serpent or worm). The term "lungworm" refers to a type of parasitic worm that inhabits the lungs of its host.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'lung' as the organ where this worm lives, and 'worm' refers to the creature itself. This helps you remember that a lungworm is a worm that resides in the lungs.

Visually Confused Words