Definition of Caterpillar

1. Noun. A wormlike and often brightly colored and hairy or spiny larva of a butterfly or moth.


2. Noun. A large tracked vehicle that is propelled by two endless metal belts; frequently used for moving earth in construction and farm work.
Exact synonyms: Cat
Generic synonyms: Tracked Vehicle
Language type: Slang, Trademark

Definition of Caterpillar

1. n. The larval state of a butterfly or any lepidopterous insect; sometimes, but less commonly, the larval state of other insects, as the sawflies, which are also called false caterpillars. The true caterpillars have three pairs of true legs, and several pairs of abdominal fleshy legs (prolegs) armed with hooks. Some are hairy, others naked. They usually feed on leaves, fruit, and succulent vegetables, being often very destructive, Many of them are popularly called worms, as the cutworm, cankerworm, army worm, cotton worm, silkworm.

Definition of Caterpillar

1. Noun. The larva of a butterfly or moth; leafworm. ¹

2. Noun. A vehicle with a caterpillar track; a crawler. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Caterpillar

1. [n -S]

Lexicographical Neighbors of Caterpillar

cateran
caterans
catercorner
catercornered
catered
caterer
caterers
cateress
cateresses
cateries
catering
catermaul
catermauled
catermauling
catermauls
caterpillar (current term)
caterpillar-hair ophthalmia
caterpillar-tracked
caterpillar cell
caterpillar dermatitis
caterpillar flap
caterpillar rash
caterpillar skiing
caterpillar track
caterpillar tracks
caterpillar tread
caterpillar tree
caterpillars
caters
caterwaul

Literary usage of Caterpillar

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Annual Report by Illinois Farmers' Institute (1916)
"It is known to entomologists as the forest tent caterpillar, but in the South it is commonly called "the caterpillar" simply. The name of "tent caterpillar" ..."

2. A History of the Earth and Animated Nature by Oliver Goldsmith (1856)
"I took particular care to feed this caterpillar ; which seemed to me to continue as ... The large cabbage caterpillar is so subject to its injuries, that, ..."

3. Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (2007)
"CHAPTER V. ADVICE FROM A caterpillar. THE caterpillar and Alice looked at each other for some time in silence : at last the caterpillar took the hookah out ..."

4. Life-zone Indicators in California by Harvey Monroe Hall, Marcos Sastre, William Hamilton Gibson, Joseph Grinnell (1919)
"This caterpillar when full grown is nearly two inches in length. ... The " yellow " stage of the caterpillar indicates that its period of transformation is ..."

5. Annual Report of the United States Geological and Geographical Survey of the by Geological and Geographical Survey of the Territories (U.S.), United States General Land Office, United States Dept. of the Interior (1877)
"Late in May or in June, as soon as ¡e leaves expand, they are often devoured by the caterpillar of a grunt- loth, which, on being disturbed is very active, ..."

6. Science from an Easy Chair by Edwin Ray Lankester (1911)
"The caterpillar of the moth, Carpocapsa sal- titans, removed from the jumping bean : magnified three diameters. Observe the jaws (with which the circular ..."

7. In the Child's World: Morning Talks and Stories for Kindergartens, Primary by Emilie Poulsson (1893)
"Keep the caterpillar supplied with food, and then watch and wait, ... The caterpillar which feeds on the milkweed is a very obliging creature. ..."

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