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

Also known as the Glowworm Caves, they are home to thousands of the country’s native Arachnocampa luminosa.

From The Guardian • Aug. 23, 2019

In one poem, called “A Glowworm, a Lemur, and Some Women,” Mr. Tate described a small creature en route to a philosophy department meeting.

From Washington Post • Jul. 10, 2015

New Century Theatre Company executive director and actor Michael Patten does such a fine job playing the central character in his company's funny, haunting "O Lovely Glowworm" that, well, one forgets he is there.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 18, 2011

At least when it involves an illustrated guide to 100 magical destinations, including the Waitomo Glowworm Caves of New Zealand and South Africa’s Boulders Penguin Colony.

From Washington Post

They’re the same glowworms found in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves in New Zealand.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston