earthworm

[urth-wurm]

noun

1. any one of numerous annelid worms that burrow in soil and feed on soil nutrients and decaying organic matter.

2. Archaic.,  a mean or groveling person.

earthworm

/ ˈɜːθˌwɜːm /

noun

1. any of numerous oligochaete worms of the genera Lumbricus, Allolobophora, Eisenia, etc, which burrow in the soil and help aerate and break up the ground

Word History and Origins

Origin of earthworm¹

First recorded in 1400–50, earthworm is from the late Middle English word ertheworm. See earth, worm

Example Sentences

Her “first animal research program,” according to her mother, was a study of earthworms to determine how they were able to move without legs, a project she carried out in her bed.

From Salon

Unlike today’s earthworms, these 1-centimeter fossils, called Uncus dzaugisi, lack any segments and had an outer coat stiff enough to keep them from being completely flattened as sediments accumulated on top of them.

From Science Magazine

Save the pandas is a more popular slogan than save the earthworms, and most people likely care more about protecting flowers than a rare grass or fungi.

From Salon

Finally, other animal species, including other mollusks, the common earthworm and even the tadpole stages of frogs, also possess a typhlosole that has not been thoroughly studied before.

From Science Daily

The study also examined the impacts of the discs cut from the teabags on a species of earthworm, Eisenia fetida, which has a critical role in soil nutrient turnover as it consumes organic matter.

From Science Daily