screwworm

[ skroo-wurm ]

noun

1. the larva of any of certain flies of the genus Callitroga, which sometimes infests wounds and the nose and navel of domestic animals and humans.

screwworm

/ ˈskruːˌwɜːm /

noun

1. the larva of a dipterous fly, Callitroga macellaria, that develops beneath the skin of living mammals often causing illness or death
2. the fly producing this larva: family Calliphoridae

Word History and Origins

Origin of screwworm¹

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80; screw + worm