threadworm

Everyday

A threadworm (also pinworm) is a tiny white worm, like a piece of thread, that can live in people's intestines (gut) for a while and causes itching around the bottom, especially at night. tree →

In the lessons

Health and hygiene: threadworms are very common in children and are not a sign of being dirty; they spread when tiny eggs get on fingers and then into mouths. Washing hands, scrubbing under nails, not biting nails, and washing bedding stop them. A chemist sells medicine, and usually the whole family takes it. Science: threadworms are parasites (they live on another living thing).

Examples

• Threadworms are very common in children. tree →
• Threadworms can make your bottom itch at night. tree →
• Wash your hands to stop threadworms spreading. tree →
• The whole family took medicine for threadworms. tree →
• A threadworm is as thin as a piece of cotton. tree →
• Threadworms are parasites. tree →

Note

Countable, one word. US name: pinworm. Not the same as an earthworm (lives in soil, harmless) or a tapeworm. Nothing to be ashamed of; tell a grown-up if you itch.