inchworm

English

The characteristic "looping" movement of an inchworm, the caterpillar of the geometer moth (Geometridae sp.), which makes it look as if it is measuring its journey

Etymology

inch +‎ worm. So called because their gradual movement seems to be measuring the ground; compare measuring worm.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈɪnt͡ʃ.wɜːm/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈɪnt͡ʃ.wɚm/

Noun

inchworm (plural inchworms)

1. The larva of a moth of the family Geometridae.

Verb

inchworm (third-person singular simple present inchworms, present participle inchworming, simple past and past participle inchwormed)

1. To move in a looping fashion, like an inchworm.
2. To crawl or creep slowly.

Synonyms

• (larva): geometrid, looper, measuring worm, spanworm

Translations

measuring worm — see measuring worm