Worm

Quick meaning: Worm is a noun meaning A generally tubular invertebrate of the annelid phylum; an earthworm.

Meaning

A generally tubular invertebrate of the annelid phylum; an earthworm.

More Meanings

1. (informal or poetic, loosely) A maggot or any other insect larva with similar shape and behavior.
2. A contemptible or devious being.
3. (computing) A self-replicating program that propagates through a network, differing from a virus in usually lacking any destructive effects.
4. (cricket) A graphical representation of the total runs scored across a number of overs.
5. More loosely, any of various tubular invertebrates resembling annelids but not closely related to them, such as velvet worms, acorn worms, flatworms, or roundworms. See Appendix:English worms.
6. (archaic or poetic) Any creeping or crawling animal, such as a snake, snail, or caterpillar.
7. (archaic) A type of wingless "dragon", especially a gigantic sea serpent or any kind of dragon.

Example Sentences

Those little wriggling worms are the larvae of flies who laid eggs here.

[…] No, ’tis slander, Whose edge is sharper than the sword, whose tongue Outvenoms all the worms of Nile […]

In the Cross of Cong (A.D. 1123) the Celtic inter-laced patterns are found side by side with the "worm-dragon" ornament .

When Cerberus perceived us, the great worm! His mouth he opened and displayed his tusks; Not a limb had he that was motionless.

Word Forms

• worms
• worming
• wormed

Synonyms for worm

Depending on context, synonyms include wriggle, twist, writhe, wrestle, louse, wreathe.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include insect, louse, wreathe, twist, writhe, squirm.

Related Dictionary Tools