brainworm

== English == === Alternative forms === brain worm, brain-worm === Etymology === From brain +‎ worm. === Noun === brainworm (plural brainworms) A neurotropic nematode parasite (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis). (science fiction) Any parasitic, worm-like species that inhabits the brain of another organism, typically altering its behaviour or giving it special abilities. (figurative, informal) A song or melody that keeps playing inside of one's mind. [since 2008] Synonym: earworm For more quotations using this term, see Citations:brainworm. (figurative, slang, sometimes derogatory) A persistent delusion or obsession; a deeply-ingrained or unquestioned idea. [2010s] 2020, Jake Dean, "mum + dad words", Kiddo, December 2020 - February 2021, page 31: […] but I've already found my mood has improved and the time I've spent having fun with my kid, reading, keeping fit, etc. has increased markedly as my screen time (and my brain worms) have dwindled. 2021, Stephanie Shih, quoted in "An Interview with Stephanie Shih", Form (Duke University), Volume 25 (2021), page 117: I think institutional success would be nice because I have the capitalist brain worms that we all have. For more quotations using this term, see Citations:brainworm. ==== Derived terms ==== brain-wormed