shipworm

American  

[ship-wurm] / ˈʃɪpˌwɜrm /

noun

1. any of various wormlike marine bivalve mollusks that burrow into the timbers of ship, wharves, etc.

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shipworm British  

/ ˈʃɪpˌwɜːm /

noun

1. any wormlike marine bivalve mollusc of the genus Teredo and related genera and family Teredinidae. They bore into wooden piers, ships, etc, by means of drill-like shell valves See also piddock

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Etymology

Origin of shipworm

First recorded in 1770–80; ship ¹ + worm

Example Sentences

Furthermore, previous shipworm symbionts have proven to be a treasure trove of natural products -- such as novel anti-parasitic antibiotics -- which may have significant impacts on human health.

From Science Daily • Jun. 5, 2024

He believes unlocking the secrets to shipworm reproduction will help scientists understand how wood is recycled in the oceans, as the mollusks play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle.

From New York Times • Jan. 11, 2021

The rock-eating shipworm does have one big thing in common with its wood-eating counterparts, however: Its burrowing may cause harm, in this case by changing a river’s course.

From Science Magazine • Jun. 18, 2019

Scientists have found live specimens of the rare giant shipworm for the first time.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2017

There was nothing of which the Norsemen were more afraid than of the teredo, or shipworm, which gnaws the wood of ships.

From Tales of the Enchanted Islands of the Atlantic by Higginson, Thomas Wentworth