adjective

anthelmintic

an-thel-MIN-tik

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Anthelmintic (adjective) means Able to kill or drive out parasitic worms. Example: “The veterinarian prescribed an anthelmintic drug for the puppy.”

adjective

technical Able to kill or drive out parasitic worms.

"The veterinarian prescribed an anthelmintic drug for the puppy."

"Researchers tested the plant extract for anthelmintic properties."

"Some anthelmintic treatments work by paralyzing the worms."

noun

technical A drug used to treat worm infestations by killing the worms or causing the body to expel them.

"The doctor gave her an anthelmintic to clear the infection."

"Farmers often give livestock an anthelmintic on a regular schedule."

"Praziquantel is one anthelmintic used against certain parasitic worms."

How to use anthelmintic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA medicine, or a quality, that gets rid of parasitic worms.

When to use it

It is a technical word used mostly in medicine, pharmacology, and veterinary work.

Memory tip

It works as both an adjective and a noun, so check whether it describes something or names a drug.

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Common pairings

anthelmintic drug anthelmintic treatment anthelmintic properties anthelmintic medication

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The veterinarian prescribed an _____ drug for the puppy.

Etymology

The word is built from the prefix ant-, the word helminth, and the suffix -ic. Some speakers say the first syllable with a th sound, while the th in helminth became a t through a sound shift.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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vermifuge

Frequently asked questions

What does anthelmintic mean?

Anthelmintic describes something that destroys parasitic worms. As a noun, it means a drug used to treat worm infestations.

How do you pronounce anthelmintic?

A common American pronunciation is an-thel-MIN-tik, with the stress on the third syllable.

What is an example of an anthelmintic?

Praziquantel is an example of an anthelmintic drug.

What is the meaning of anthelmintic?

"anthelmintic" (adjective) means able to kill or drive out parasitic worms.