‖prop. n. pl. [ NL., fr. Gr. nh^ma, nh`matos, thread + -oid. ] (Zool.) A phylum of worms, having a long, round, and generally smooth body; the roundworms. Called also Nematodea, and more commonly Nematoda. Formerly, it was classed as a taxonomic order. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]
☞ The trichina, stomach worm, and pinworm of man belong to this group. See also Vinegar eel, under Vinegar, and Gapeworm. [ 1913 Webster ]