screwworm

American  

[skroo-wurm] / ˈskruˌwɜrm /

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.

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screwworm British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of screwworm

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

Example Sentences

When the New World screwworm last spread across the United States, it caused widespread damage to livestock and took decades to eliminate.

From Science Daily

Despite its name, the New World screwworm is not a worm.

From Science Daily

The screwworm lays its eggs in open wounds on warm-blooded animals, including humans.

From Science Daily

The New World screwworm was once common across California and much of the southern United States.

From Science Daily

In recent years, the screwworm has started appearing again in parts of Central America and southern Mexico.

From Science Daily