nematode
/ˈnɛməˌtoʊd/
noun
- A small, slender, unsegmented worm that lives in soil, water, or as a parasite in plants and animals.
- Some nematodes are beneficial because they eat harmful insects.
- A single handful of garden soil can contain thousands of microscopic nematodes.
- Farmers often test the soil for nematodes that can damage crop roots.