Definition of "heartworm" []

• A filarial worm (Dirofilaria immitis) transmitted by mosquitoes and parasitic in the heart and associated blood vessels of dogs and other canids. (noun)
• The condition resulting from infestation with the heartworm. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "It ain't cheap here and probably not necessary as local vets tell me heartworm is not a problem here."
• "The larger part of PetMed's business, however, is nonprescription medication, such as heartworm and flea and tick medication."
• "Dr. LaNita Flanary says more of her clients aren't bringing their dogs and cats in for such routine treatments as vaccinations and preventive measures, such as heartworm medication."