|
| worm [ wurm ] |
noun (plural worms) |
|
| Definition: |
| |
1. long cylindrical invertebrate: an invertebrate that has a slender, soft, cylindrical or flat body and no apparent appendages, especially an annelid, nematode, or flatworm
(
often used in combination
)
|
2. insect larva: the larva of an insect, e.g. a caterpillar, grub, or maggot
|
3. animal looking or moving like worm: an animal that looks or moves like a worm, e.g. the shipworm or the slowworm
|
4. offensive term: an offensive term for somebody regarded as contemptible, especially because of behaving in a groveling way
(
insult
)
|
5. something that torments: something that torments, undermines, or corrupts somebody from within
  a worm of discontent
|
6. comput invasive computer program: a computer program that invades computers on a network, replicates itself to prevent deletion, and interferes with the host computer's operation.
See also virus (sense 3) Trojan horse (sense 3)
|
7. spiral condenser in still: a spiral pipe in a still in which alcohol condenses
|
8. mechanical engineering threaded shaft: a shaft with a helical thread that is the part of a gear that meshes with a toothed wheel
|
verb (past and past participle wormed, present participle worm·ing, 3rd person present singular worms) |
|
| Definition: |
| |
1. transitive verb proceed deviously: to make your way or advance yourself deviously or obsequiously
wormed her way out of trouble
|
2. transitive verb obtain something deviously: to obtain something from somebody by devious or underhand means
They wormed his secret out of him.
|
3. transitive verb wind yarn around rope: to wind yarn around a rope so as to give it a smooth surface
|
4. intransitive verb move like worm: to move in a slow, slithering way
|
5. intransitive verb search for worms: to search for worms, especially for use as fishing bait
|
6. transitive verb veterinary medicine medicine treat somebody for parasitic worms: to treat a person or animal in order to prevent or remove an infestation of parasitic worms
|
| [ Old English wurm< Indo-European] |
|
| worm·er noun |
| worm·ish adjective |
|
