glowworm

American  

[gloh-wurm] / ˈgloʊˌwɜrm /

noun

1. the wingless female or larva of the European beetle, Lampyris noctiluca, which emits a sustained greenish light.

2. any of various other beetle larvae or wingless females that emit a glow rather than a flash of light.

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Etymology

Origin of glowworm

1300–50; Middle English. See glow, worm

Example Sentences

For visitors to New Zealand, the chance to see a haka, the ceremonial Maori dance, has long been as much a part of the country’s allure as its glaciers, geysers and glowworm caves.

From New York Times • Jan. 15, 2024

Best visited after dark to see its glowworm appearance, Henderson Waves, undulates through Singapore, connecting Mount Faber Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park.

From The Guardian • Jul. 30, 2018

Me 100 percent three species of fish, no glowworm, peanut or crocodile genes added to date.

From Salon • Dec. 1, 2015

The glowworm tried to philosophize, he wanted an overview,

From Washington Post • Jul. 10, 2015

But here, the bioluminescence is turquoise like the glowworm caves in New Zealand.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera