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shipworm

[ ship-wurm ]

noun

  1. any of various wormlike marine bivalve mollusks that burrow into the timbers of ship, wharves, etc.

shipworm

/ ˈʃɪpˌwɜːm /

noun

  1. See piddock
    any wormlike marine bivalve mollusc of the genus Teredo and related genera and family Teredinidae. They bore into wooden piers, ships, etc, by means of drill-like shell valves See also piddock

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Word History and Origins

Origin of shipworm1

First recorded in 1770–80; ship 1 + worm

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Example Sentences

The teredo or shipworm was a serious peril in the days before the sheathing of ships.

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