measuringworm

or meas·ur·ing worm

[ mezh-er-ing-wurm ]

/ ˈmɛʒ ər ɪŋˌwɜrm /

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noun

the larva of any geometrid moth, which progresses by bringing the rear end of the body forward and then advancing the front end.

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Also called inchworm, looper, spanworm.

Origin of measuringworm

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; measuring + worm

How to use measuringworm in a sentence

Therefore the rock is called Tutokanula, the measuring worm.
Myths and Legends of California and the Old Southwest|Katharine Berry Judson
A brown measuring-worm was measuring the lady for garments she needed but would never wear.
Bizarre|Lawton Mackall
In walking, they bring the hind feet up to the front ones, doubling the body into a loop like the canker- or measuring-worm.
The Sea-beach at Ebb-tide|Augusta Foote Arnold
A traditional serpent described as moving by jerks like a measuring worm, to which also the name is applied.
Myths of the Cherokee|James Mooney

Just at this minute the Measuring Worm had a funny idea, and he wondered if the Caterpillars would be foolish enough to copy him.
Among the Meadow People|Clara Dillingham Pierson

British Dictionary definitions for measuringworm

measuring worm

noun

the larva of a geometrid moth: it has legs on its front and rear segments only and moves in a series of loopsAlso called: looper, inchworm

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012