English
spindlewormspindleworm
From spindle + worm.
A compound of spindle + worm
Proto-Indo-European *(s)pénh₁-ne-
…
Proto-West Germanic *spinnilu
Old English spinl
Old English spindle
Middle English spyndel
English spindle
Proto-Indo-European *wr̥mis
Proto-Germanic *wurmiz
Proto-West Germanic *wurmi
Old English weorm
Middle English werm
English worm
Today it means
noun The larva of a noctuid moth (Achatodes zeae) which feeds inside the stalks of maize. It is smooth, with a black head and tail and a row of black dots across each segment.
Language periods are conventional ranges, not dates for this word.
Etymograph / spindleworm
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