inchworm

== English == === Etymology === From inch +‎ worm. So called because their gradual movement seems to be measuring the ground; compare measuring worm. === Pronunciation === (UK) IPA(key): /ˈɪnt͡ʃ.wɜːm/ (US) IPA(key): /ˈɪnt͡ʃ.wɚm/ === Noun === inchworm (plural inchworms) The larva of a moth of the family Geometridae. === Verb === inchworm (third-person singular simple present inchworms, present participle inchworming, simple past and past participle inchwormed) (informal, idiomatic, intransitive) To move in a looping fashion, like an inchworm. (informal, idiomatic, intransitive) To crawl or creep slowly. ==== Synonyms ==== (larva): geometrid, looper, measuring worm, spanworm ==== Translations ====