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spanworm

 - 4 dictionary results

span⋅worm

  [span-wurm]
Use spanworm in a Sentence
–noun
measuringworm.
Origin:
1810–20, Americanism; span 1 + worm

meas⋅ur⋅ing⋅worm

  [mezh-er-ing-wurm]
–noun
the larva of any geometrid moth, which progresses by bringing the rear end of the body forward and then advancing the front end.
Also, measuring worm.
Also called inchworm, looper, spanworm.

Origin:
1835–45, Americanism; measuring + worm
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To spanworm
meas·ur·ing worm   (mězh'ə-rĭng)
n.  A geometrid caterpillar that moves in alternate contractions and expansions suggestive of measuring. Also called inchworm, looper, spanworm.
span·worm   (spān'wûrm')   
n.  See measuring worm.

[From span1.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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