Word
nematodes
Phoneticsne·ma·todes, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈnɛməˌtoʊdz/
UK/nˈɛmɐtˌəʊdz/
Countable noun
Definition
n. very small, thin worms that live in soil, water, plants, and animals. Some help break down dead matter, while others can harm crops or make people and animals sick.
n. elongate, unsegmented roundworms of the phylum Nematoda, occurring as free-living forms in soil and water and as parasites of plants and animals.
Examples
“Nematodes live in the soil under these plants.”
“The farmer tests the soil for nematodes that damage potato roots and reduce the harvest.”
“Although invisible to the naked eye, soil nematodes shape entire ecosystems, cycling nutrients between microbes and plants while certain parasitic species threaten global crop yields.”
Examples
simple
“Nematodes live in the soil under these plants.”
contextual
“The farmer tests the soil for nematodes that damage potato roots and reduce the harvest.”
complex
“Although invisible to the naked eye, soil nematodes shape entire ecosystems, cycling nutrients between microbes and plants while certain parasitic species threaten global crop yields.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “nematodes” in context.
Verb
01. eradicate nematodes
“It is almost impossible to fully eradicate nematodes from infested soil.”
verb + noun
02. harbour nematodes
“Livestock can harbour nematodes and contaminate shared pastures.”
verb + noun
03. ingest nematodes
“Children may ingest nematodes through contaminated soil or unwashed produce.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. beneficial nematodes
“Gardeners release beneficial nematodes to control grubs without pesticides.”
adj + noun
05. free-living nematodes
“Free-living nematodes are widely used as models in genetic research.”
adj + noun
06. intestinal nematodes
“Intestinal nematodes spread rapidly where sanitation and clean water are lacking.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. burden of nematodes
“A high burden of nematodes can cause anaemia and malnutrition in children.”
noun + prep + noun
08. community of nematodes
“The community of nematodes reflects overall soil health and biodiversity.”
noun + prep + noun
09. diversity of nematodes
“The diversity of nematodes in undisturbed forest soil is remarkably high.”
noun + prep + noun
10. biological control of nematodes
“Fungi offer a promising biological control of nematodes in organic farming.”
11. high diversity of nematodes
“Healthy soils typically show a high diversity of nematodes.”
12. infected with intestinal nematodes
“Over a billion people worldwide are infected with intestinal nematodes.”
Real-World Examples
“Plant parasitic nematodes are obligate parasites that infect mainly root tissue of a wide range of plant species.” “Nematodes are important: parasitic nematodes threaten the health of plants, animals and humans on a global scale” Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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