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measuringworm

or meas·ur·ing worm

[mezh-er-ing-wurm]
noun
  1. 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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Origin of measuringworm

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; measuring + worm
Also called inchworm, looper, spanworm.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
British Dictionary definitions for measuring worm

measuring worm

noun
  1. 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
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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