1. Plural of nematode; small, cylindrical parasitic or free-living worms, many of which infect plants and animals.
Usage: scientific/biological term; commonly used in medicine, agriculture, and biology

Examples

• Nematodes are among the most abundant animals on Earth, found in soil and water.
• Some nematodes parasitize humans and cause serious diseases in tropical regions.
• Farmers use crop rotation to reduce nematode populations that damage plant roots.
• The scientist studied nematodes under the microscope to understand their life cycle.
• Certain nematodes are used in research laboratories as model organisms.
• Intestinal nematodes affect millions of people worldwide, particularly in developing countries.