EARTHWORM


Meaning of EARTHWORM in English

ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun

Etymology: Middle English ertheworm, from erthe earth + worm

1. : any terrestrial annelid worm of the class Oligochaeta ; especially : any of numerous widely distributed tapering segmented hermaphroditic worms that constitute the family Lumbricidae and that lack true appendages but move through the soil by means of setae, feed on decaying organic matter, and are an important factor in loosening and aerating the upper layers of soil in which they dwell — called also angleworm

2. archaic : a mean sordid person : worm

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.