woodworm

[ wood-wurm ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

woodworm

/ ˈwʊdˌwɜːm /

any of various insect larvae that bore into wooden furniture, beams, etc, esp the larvae of the furniture beetle, Anobium punctatum, and the deathwatch beetle
the condition caused in wood by any of these larvae

First recorded in 1530–40; wood ¹ + worm

Because, i' faith, the woodworm has split them both from the bottom.

It will be noted in the reproduction that the sphere is well shot through by the industrious book- or woodworm.

Even our dull ears can detect the woodworm, but we cannot locate him.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse