The word "vermicidal" refers to something that is capable of killing or reducing the number of worms or worm-like creatures. Its spelling can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as "vəːˈmɪsɪd(ə)l", where the stress is on the second syllable and the "c" is pronounced as a soft "s" sound. The root word "vermi-" comes from the Latin word for "worm", while "-cidal" is derived from the Latin word "caedere", meaning "to kill". Therefore, "vermicidal" literally means "worm-killing".
Vermicidal is an adjective used to describe a substance, chemical, or treatment that is specifically designed or known to be effective in killing or eliminating worms or parasites in different contexts. The term can be broken down into two parts, with "vermi-" originating from the Latin word "vermis," meaning worm, and "-cidal" coming from the Latin "-cida," meaning to kill or destroy.
Typically used in the field of medicine and agriculture, vermicidal substances are utilized to combat various types of worm infestations or parasites that can have detrimental effects on human health, livestock, or crops. These substances can include medications, pesticides, or chemical agents that are specifically formulated to target and eradicate worms or parasites from a particular organism or environment.
In medical applications, vermicidal drugs are commonly used to treat conditions caused by worms or parasites in humans and animals, such as intestinal worm infections or parasitic diseases. These medications work by either paralyzing or directly killing the worms, allowing them to be expelled naturally or broken down and eliminated by the body's immune system.
Similarly, in agriculture, vermicidal pesticides or chemical agents are employed to control or eliminate worm infestations that pose a threat to crops, affecting their health and productivity. These substances are designed to specifically target and eliminate worms without causing significant harm to the plants or ecosystem.
Overall, the term "vermicidal" refers to substances or treatments that are effective in killing or eliminating worms or parasites, providing a means to control or eradicate these harmful organisms and their detrimental effects.
Destructive to worms, specifically destructive to the parasitic intestinal worms.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word vermicidal is derived from the combination of two roots:
1) vermi-, derived from the Latin word vermis meaning worm. This root is also found in words like vermicelli (a type of pasta resembling little worms) or vermin (small destructive animals or insects).
2) -cidal, derived from the Latin word caedere meaning to kill. This root is commonly used in words related to killing or causing death, such as homicidal (pertaining to murder) or suicidal (pertaining to suicide).
Therefore, vermicidal combines these roots to mean causing the death or destruction of worms.