Nem`a*toi"de*a (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. gr. , , thread + -oid.] Zool.
An order of worms, having a long, round, and generally smooth body; the roundworms. they are mostly parasites. Called also Nematodea, and Nematoda.
⇒ The trichina, stomach worm, and pinworm of man belong to this group. See also Vinegar eel, under Vinegar, and Gapeworm.
© Webster 1913.