caterpillar
UK: ˈkætəpɪlə | US: ˈkætərpɪlər
n. the larval stage of a butterfly or moth, characterized by a segmented body and multiple legs.
n. (figuratively) a slow-moving or creeping person or thing.
caterpillar = cater<cat> + pillar<plunderer/hairy creature>
- cater (from Old French chatepelose, meaning "hairy cat"): Reflects the fuzzy appearance of some caterpillars, likened to a cat’s fur.
- pillar (from Latin pilosus, meaning "hairy"): Reinforces the idea of a hairy or creeping creature.
Etymology Origin:
The word "caterpillar" originated from the Old French chatepelose ("hairy cat"), blending chat (cat) and pelose (hairy). Over time, English speakers adapted it phonetically to "caterpillar," influenced by the Middle English piller (plunderer), possibly due to the insect’s destructive feeding habits. The dual imagery of a "hairy cat" and a "creeping thief" vividly captures the creature’s appearance and behavior.
The caterpillar munched on the green leaves.
Children watched the caterpillar crawl slowly across the branch.
A monarch caterpillar will eventually transform into a butterfly.
The garden was infested with caterpillars, damaging the plants.
He moved like a caterpillar, inching forward with great effort.