screwworm

English

noun
Definitions
  • The larva of the fly (New World screwworm) or (Old World screwworm). The larvae are parasitic in humans and animals and are distinctive in eating living flesh of mammals, unlike most maggots, which eat only dead flesh.

Etymology

Compound from English screw (meddle, play with) + English worm.

Origin

English

worm

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

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