Definition

A type of long, flat worm that lives in the intestines of animals, including humans, and feeds on their nutrients.

Example

The doctor diagnosed him with a tapeworm infection after he reported stomach pain.

Conversation

I read an article about a tapeworm infection in pets.

That sounds gross! How do they even get that?

Usually from eating contaminated food or raw meat.

Yikes! I’ll be more careful with my dog's diet.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tapeworm → The word 'tapeworm' is formed from 'tape' (from Old English 'tæppe', meaning a narrow strip) and 'worm' (from Old English 'wyrm', meaning serpent or worm). The term describes a long, flat, ribbon-like parasitic worm resembling a strip or tape.

Memory Tip

Imagine a narrow 'strip' ('tape') that looks like a 'worm' — that's why a tapeworm is named for its flat, tape-like shape.

Visually Confused Words