measuringworm

or meas·ur·ing worm

[mezh-er-ing-wurm]

noun

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

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. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for measuring worm

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