stomach worm: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (technical term with rare metaphorical use)Technical, Veterinary, Medical; Historical/Colloquial in metaphorical use
Quick answer
What does “stomach worm” mean?
A parasitic worm that infects the stomach or digestive tract of animals, typically referring to nematodes of the genera such as Haemonchus or Ascaridia.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A parasitic worm that infects the stomach or digestive tract of animals, typically referring to nematodes of the genera such as Haemonchus or Ascaridia.
Colloquially used to refer to any intestinal discomfort or sensation of nervousness (e.g., 'I have butterflies in my stomach'). In a derogatory historical context, it has been used to imply weakness or a lack of courage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in the core technical term. Spelling of related terms follows regional conventions (e.g., 'haematology' vs. 'hematology').
Connotations
Identical for the technical term. The archaic metaphorical usage ('you've got no stomach worm' meaning lacking courage) is found in historical texts from both regions.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties. Understood primarily by veterinarians, farmers, and parasitologists.
Grammar
How to Use “stomach worm” in a Sentence
The [animal] has a stomach worm.The vet diagnosed a stomach worm infestation.This drug is effective against stomach worms.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stomach worm” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The lambs were stomach-wormed last spring.
- We need to stomach-worm the herd annually.
American English
- The lambs were stomach-wormed last spring.
- We need to deworm the herd for stomach worms annually.
adjective
British English
- A stomach-worm infestation can be fatal.
- The stomach-worm burden was high.
American English
- A stomach worm infestation can be fatal.
- The stomach worm burden was high.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in agricultural supply (anthelmintics) or veterinary pharmaceutical contexts.
Academic
Common in veterinary science, parasitology, zoology, and agricultural biology papers.
Everyday
Very rare. If used, likely by farmers or pet owners discussing animal health.
Technical
The primary context. Precise term in veterinary diagnostics and parasitology texts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stomach worm”
- Using it to describe human pinworms or tapeworms (which are intestinal, but not specifically 'stomach' worms).
- Using it as a general synonym for 'nerves' or 'anxiety' in modern English (archaic).
- Misspelling as 'stomach warm'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not. For humans, specific names like 'pinworm', 'roundworm', or 'hookworm' are used. 'Stomach worm' is primarily a veterinary term for livestock parasites.
Yes, in agricultural/veterinary jargon. To 'stomach-worm' an animal means to administer anthelmintic treatment targeting stomach worms.
They cause blood loss, tissue damage, and poor nutrient absorption, leading to weight loss, anaemia, and potentially death, especially in young animals.
The idea of a physical 'worm' as the source of courage or emotion (like 'butterflies') stems from pre-scientific humoural theory. Modern English uses other metaphors for anxiety or cowardice.
A parasitic worm that infects the stomach or digestive tract of animals, typically referring to nematodes of the genera such as Haemonchus or Ascaridia.
Stomach worm is usually technical, veterinary, medical; historical/colloquial in metaphorical use in register.
Stomach worm: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstʌm.ək ˌwɜːm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstʌm.ək ˌwɝːm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Archaic] To have no stomach worm: to be cowardly.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a wriggling worm making its home in an animal's stomach – a literal 'stomach worm'.
Conceptual Metaphor
PARASITE IS AN UNWANTED INTRUDER / WEAKNESS IS A PARASITE (in archaic usage).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'stomach worm' most appropriately used?