Antihelminthic
/ˌæn.ti.helˈmɪnθ.ɪk/noun
Used to describe a substance or treatment that kills or expels parasitic worms.
Did you know?Its core comes from Ancient Greek helmins, meaning “worm,” especially a parasitic intestinal worm; the more common spelling today is anthelmintic.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wel-
“A proposed root associated with turning or twisting; its connection to the Greek worm term is uncertain.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἕλμινς (helmins), ἕλμινθος (helminthos)
“Worm, especially a parasitic intestinal worm.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀντί (anti-)
“Against, opposite, or in opposition to.”
19th Century
Medical English
anthelmintic
“A medicine or agent used against parasitic worms.”
Modern English
English
antihelminthic
“A variant form meaning directed against helminths or parasitic worms.”
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