English edit

 
An earthworm

Etymology edit

From Middle English erthe-worm, erþe-worm, erþe worm (also as worm of þe erthe, worm of þe erþe), equivalent to earth +‎ worm. Compare Saterland Frisian Äidwurm (earthworm), West Frisian ierdwjirm (earthworm), Dutch aardworm (earthworm), less common German Erdwurm (earthworm).

Pronunciation edit

  • (file)

Noun edit

earthworm (plural earthworms)

  1. A worm that lives in the ground.
  2. A worm of the family Lumbricidae, or, more generally, of the suborder Lumbricina.
  3. (figurative) A contemptible person; a groveller.

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