meadow nematode: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low/Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “meadow nematode” mean?
A microscopic, worm-like parasite (genus *Pratylenchus*) that infects the roots of grasses and other plants in meadows and pastureland.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A microscopic, worm-like parasite (genus *Pratylenchus*) that infects the roots of grasses and other plants in meadows and pastureland.
A common pest in agricultural and horticultural settings, damaging crops like cereals, forage grasses, and some vegetables by feeding on root tissues, leading to stunted growth and reduced yields. The term is often used interchangeably with 'root lesion nematode' in a technical context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in term usage. Spelling follows national conventions (e.g., 'labour' vs. 'labor' in surrounding text, but 'meadow nematode' is spelled identically).
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties. May be associated with agricultural advisory services or academic research.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse in both regions. Its frequency is confined to identical specialist contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “meadow nematode” in a Sentence
The [crop] is susceptible to meadow nematode.Meadow nematodes [verb: infest, damage, reduce] the [plant part: roots, yield].[Action: Apply, Use] a nematicide for meadow nematode control.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meadow nematode” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The field was heavily nematoded, with meadow nematode counts exceeding 5000 per litre of soil.
- Cropping strategies aim to avoid nematoding valuable pasture.
American English
- The researcher noted the field was nematoded, likely by meadow nematode.
- Continuous corn can nematode the soil over time.
adverb
British English
- The grass grew nematode-slowly due to the infestation.
American English
- The roots were nematode-damaged, showing classic lesions.
adjective
British English
- The meadow-nematode damage was evident in the patchy sward.
- They conducted a meadow-nematode survey across the county.
American English
- Meadow-nematode infestation is a growing concern for alfalfa growers.
- The extension agent provided a meadow-nematode management bulletin.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in agribusiness reports concerning crop health, yield loss, and pest management costs.
Academic
Common in plant pathology, nematology, and agricultural science journals and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation unless discussing farming or gardening at a detailed level.
Technical
The primary register. Used in agricultural extension documents, pest management guides, and soil laboratory reports.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “meadow nematode”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “meadow nematode”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meadow nematode”
- Incorrect plural: 'meadow nematodes' (correct), not 'meadow nematode' for plural. 'Nematode' is countable.
- Mispronunciation: /ˈniːmətoʊd/ (NEE-muh-tode), not /nɛˈmætoʊd/ or /ˈnɛmətoʊd/.
- Using it as a general term for any garden pest instead of its specific meaning.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Meadow nematodes are obligate plant parasites. They do not infect animals or humans.
No. They are microscopic, typically less than 1 mm long. They require a microscope for identification.
Above ground, plants may appear stunted, yellowed, or wilted despite adequate water. Below ground, roots will have dark lesions and a reduced, damaged root system.
'Nematode' is a very broad term for a whole phylum of worms, including many free-living and beneficial species. 'Meadow nematode' specifies a particular group of plant-parasitic nematodes that commonly affect grasses and crops in temperate regions.
A microscopic, worm-like parasite (genus *Pratylenchus*) that infects the roots of grasses and other plants in meadows and pastureland.
Meadow nematode is usually technical/scientific in register.
Meadow nematode: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛdəʊ ˈniːmətəʊd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛdoʊ ˈniːmətoʊd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a technical term not used idiomatically.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a **meadow** where the grass is looking poor. You need to **knee**-down (**nema**-) to inspect the roots and discover the 'todes' (toads? no, tiny worms!). 'Meadow Nematode' = Tiny worms in meadow roots.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE PARASITE IS A MINER/INVADER (it tunnels into roots, invading the plant's 'fortress'). THE PLANT IS A VICTIM/HOST.
Practice
Quiz
In which field of study is the term 'meadow nematode' primarily used?