[ship-wurm] 
| any of various wormlike marine bivalve mollusks that burrow into the timbers of ships, wharves, etc. |
| ship·worm (shĭp'wûrm') n. Any of various wormlike marine mollusks of the genera Teredo and Bankia, having rudimentary bivalve shells with which they bore into wood, especially the submerged timbers of ships and wharves, often doing extensive damage. |
