heartworm

/ˈhɑrtˌwɜrm/
noun
  1. A parasitic worm that lives in the heart and blood vessels of dogs, cats, and other animals, often causing serious disease.
    • The shelter tests all new animals for heartworm before adoption.
    • Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes and can be fatal if not treated.
    • Our vet recommended a monthly pill to protect our dog from heartworm.
  2. The disease caused by heartworm infection in animals.
    • Symptoms of heartworm include coughing, tiredness, and weight loss.
    • Prevention is much safer and cheaper than treating heartworm.
    • If caught early, heartworm can be treated with medication.
What does "heartworm" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean