worm
UK: wɜːm | US: wɜːrm
n. a long, slender, soft-bodied invertebrate animal (e.g., earthworm)
n. a parasitic helminth (e.g., tapeworm)
n. (computing) a self-replicating malware program
vt. to move stealthily or insidiously
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The word "worm" traces back to Old English wyrm, which originally referred to serpents or dragons (e.g., the mythical Midgard serpent). Over time, its meaning narrowed to focus on smaller, limbless creatures like earthworms. The computing sense ("malware") metaphorically extends the idea of something small, hidden, and destructive.
The bird pecked at the worm in the soil.
Parasitic worms can infect humans and animals.
The computer was compromised by a worm that spread through emails.
He managed to worm his way into her confidence.
Ancient legends often depict dragons as giant, fire-breathing worms.