desparasitante
/despaɾasitante/from spelling rules
The English word dewormer is translated into Spanish as desparasitante.
In veterinary contexts, desparasitante is the standard term used for both deworming treatments, which remove intestinal worms and general antiparasitic treatments.
Meaning: medicine used in deworming an animal (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word desparasitante is formed from the prefix des- (undo or remove), parasita (parasite) and the agent suffix -nte, literally meaning 'that which removes parasites'.
How do you pronounce it?
/despaɾasitante/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the term desparasitante is used for humans as well as animals. It is common to hear doctors suggest a desparasitación as a routine preventive health measure for the whole family.
- In some Latin American cultures, there is a traditional belief that desparasitantes can help treat vague symptoms like irritability or lack of appetite in children. This led to the common folk phrase está con parásitos to explain behavioral changes.
- While desparasitante is the technical term, people in some regions use the word purga to refer to the act of deworming. This word literally means 'purge' and reflects a historical belief in cleansing the entire digestive system.
Examples in context
- Como veterinario, es crucial utilizar el desparasitante adecuado para mantener la salud de las mascotas.As a veterinarian, it is crucial to use the appropriate dewormer to maintain the health of pets.
- ¿Cómo le dicen al antihelmíntico en esta región?How do you call the dewormer in this region?
- Necesito comprar un desparasitante para mi perro.I need to buy a dewormer for my dog.
- El veterinario me recomendó este desparasitante.The veterinarian recommended this dewormer to me.
- Este desparasitante es muy efectivo para los gatos.This dewormer is very effective for cats.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are talking about their pet's health at home.
- Javier¿Tienes el desparasitante para el gato?Do you have the dewormer for the cat?
- LucíaSí, lo tengo en el gabinete.Yes, I have it in the cabinet.
- JavierGracias, Lucía, lo voy a usar ahora.Thanks, Lucía, I am going to use it now.
- LucíaDe nada, Javier, asegúrate de que se lo trague.You're welcome, Javier, make sure he swallows it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry desparasitante, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
