anthelmintic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “anthelmintic” mean?
A substance used to destroy parasitic worms.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A substance used to destroy parasitic worms.
Pertaining to or having the property of expelling or destroying parasitic worms, especially those in the intestines. Used as a noun for the substance or as an adjective describing such a substance or treatment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Neutral, purely technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare and technical in both British and American English, confined to professional contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “anthelmintic” in a Sentence
The vet prescribed [an anthelmintic].This compound shows [anthelmintic] properties.To treat [the infestation] with [an anthelmintic].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anthelmintic” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The farmer used an anthelmintic drench for the flock.
American English
- Researchers tested the plant extract for anthelmintic effects.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare, except in pharmaceutical manufacturing or veterinary product sales.
Academic
Common in medical, veterinary, parasitology, and pharmacology research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A layperson would say 'wormer' or 'deworming medicine'.
Technical
The primary register. Standard term in veterinary prescriptions, medical journals, and parasitology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anthelmintic”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anthelmintic”
- Mispronunciation: stressing the first syllable (/ˈænθəl.../) instead of the third (/...ˈmɪn.../).
- Misspelling: 'anthelminthic' (with 'th') is a common variant, but 'anthelmintic' is standard.
- Using it in everyday conversation where 'worm medicine' is appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in medical contexts, particularly in tropical medicine and parasitology, to treat worm infections like roundworm or tapeworm.
'Vermifuge' specifically refers to substances that expel worms, while 'anthelmintic' is a broader term encompassing both expellers (vermifuges) and killers (vermicides).
In British English: /ˌanθelˈmɪntɪk/ (an-thel-MIN-tik). In American English: /ˌænθɛlˈmɪntɪk/ (an-thel-MIN-tik). The main stress is on the third syllable (MIN).
Yes. As a noun: 'The doctor prescribed an anthelmintic.' As an adjective: 'The drug has strong anthelmintic properties.'
A substance used to destroy parasitic worms.
Anthelmintic is usually technical/medical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ANTI-HELMINTH-IC' – something that is **anti** (against) **helminth** (a parasitic worm), with the suffix **-ic** (pertaining to).
Conceptual Metaphor
MEDICINE IS WAR (against parasites). The anthelmintic is a weapon/tool to expel or kill the parasitic 'invaders'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'anthelmintic'?