heartworm

/ˈhɑrwɔrm/

Definitions

1. noun

a parasitic worm (Dirofilaria immitis) that lives in the heart and lungs of dogs and other animals, typically transmitted by mosquitoes.

“The veterinarian told us that our dog had contracted a heartworm from a mosquito bite.”

Synonyms

  • filaria
  • parasitic worm

Antonyms

  • beneficial parasite
  • non-parasitic organism