a thread-worm, roundworm, pin-worm, etc., 1865, from Modern Latin Nematoda, the or phylum name.
Entries linking to nematode
Nematoda
a of worms, usually parasitic, irregular Modern Latin compound of Greek nemat- "thread" (see nemato-) + -odes "like, of the nature of" (see -oid). So called for their thread-like appearance.