inchworm

[inch-wurm] /ˈɪntʃˌwɜrm/
noun
1.
measuringworm.
Origin
1860-65; inch1 + worm
Examples from the web for inchworm
  • It is the sensation of a stunt pilot's turning barrel rolls, or an inchworm's blind rearing from a stem in search of a route.
  • The colors of this inchworm vary in the intensity of contrast between light and dark markings.
  • The camouflaged looper is a tiny inchworm that glues bits of flower to its back so it can better hide while feeding.
  • Cells crawl away in the same way that an inchworm moves.
British Dictionary definitions for inchworm

inchworm

/ˈɪntʃˌwɜːm/
noun
1.
another name for a measuring worm
Word Origin and History for inchworm
n.

1844, American English, from inch (v.) + worm (n.). Other old names for it included loaper caterpiller and surveyor, all from its mode of progress.