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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

inchworm en · NOUN

Pronunciation

  • /ˈɪnt͡ʃ.wɚm/ (US)
  • /ˈɪnt͡ʃ.wɜːm/ (UK)

Etymology

From inch + worm. So called because their gradual movement seems to be measuring the ground; compare measuring worm.

Meanings

  1. The larva of a moth of the family Geometridae.

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
inchworms Number=Plur lexicographic

inchworm en · VERB

Pronunciation

  • /ˈɪnt͡ʃ.wɚm/ (US)
  • /ˈɪnt͡ʃ.wɜːm/ (UK)

Etymology

From inch + worm. So called because their gradual movement seems to be measuring the ground; compare measuring worm.

Meanings

  1. (idiomatic, informal, intransitive) To move in a looping fashion, like an inchworm.
  2. (idiomatic, informal, intransitive) To crawl or creep slowly.

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
inchworms Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres lexicographic
inchworming Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
inchwormed Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
inchwormed Tense=Past lexicographic

Synonyms

measuring worm (larva) · spanworm (larva) · geometrid (larva) · looper (larva)