slowworm

noun

slow·​worm ˈslō-ˌwərm How to pronounce slowworm (audio)
: a burrowing limbless European lizard (Anguis fragilis) with small eyes

called also blindworm

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sloworm, from Old English slāwyrm, from slā- (akin to Swedish slå earthworm) + wyrm worm

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of slowworm was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near slowworm

slow-witted

slowworm

sloyd

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Slowworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slowworm. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about slowworm

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