Whipworm

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A slender parasitic roundworm that resides in the intestines of various mammals, associated with gastrointestinal disturbances and illness in its host
2. An elongated intestinal parasite that resembles a whip, commonly causing health complications and discomfort in infected animals
3. A type of parasitic roundworm with a long, thin body that resides in the intestines of mammals, leading to potential digestive issues and health problems in its hosts

Etymology: The name is a plain compound: "whip" plus "worm." The worm is named for its shape. Its anterior end is long and thin, like the lash of a whip, while the back end is thicker, so the animal resembles a whip with a handle. Nearly all of its length is that slender front portion, which threads into the wall of the large intestine. Both parts are old English words. "Worm" has meant any small creeping creature since Old English, long before anyone applied it to parasites, and "whip" as a cord or lash is likewise a native English word. Putting them together describes the animal by eye rather than by its habits, which is how many older animal names were formed.

Synonyms: Trichuris, intestinal parasite, nematode