ascarid

noun

as·​ca·​rid ˈa-skə-rəd How to pronounce ascarid (audio)
: any of two families (Ascarididae and Ascaridiidae) of nematode worms that includes the common roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides) parasitic in the human intestine

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Late Latin ascarid-, ascaris intestinal worm, from Greek askarid-, askaris, probably by back-formation from askarizein to jump, throb, alteration of skarizein, from skairein to gambol

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ascarid was in the 14th century

Rhymes for ascarid

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Browse Nearby Words

ascariasis
ascarid
Ascaridae
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Cite this Entry

“Ascarid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ascarid. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

ascarid

noun
as·​ca·​rid ˈas-kə-rəd How to pronounce ascarid (audio)
: a nematode worm of either of two families (Ascarididae and Ascaridiidae)
ascarid adjective
Last Updated: - Definition revised
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