worm

A long, thin animal without legs that lives in soil, water, or inside other animals.

• A worm crawled across the path.
• Birds were pulling worms from the soil.
• The vet gave the dog medicine for worms.

Common phrases: earth worm, intestinal worm, worm in something

A harmful computer program that copies itself and spreads between computers.

• A worm infected my computer.
• The worm spread across the office network.
• Security software removed several worms.

Common phrases: computer worm, worm infection, remove a worm

A snake or a dragon, especially in old stories.

• The knight faced a great worm.
• A winged worm guarded the ancient treasure.
• The villagers feared the worm that lived beneath the hill.

Similar words: dragon, serpent

Common phrases: fearsome worm, slay a worm, great worm

A short turning screw that moves a wheel by fitting into its teeth.

• The worm turns the wheel.
• Check the worm for signs of wear.
• The motor drives a steel worm.

Common phrases: worm gear, worm drive, worm wheel

To gradually get into a group or position, often by being clever or dishonest.

• He wormed his way into the club.
• She wormed her way into their confidence.
• How did he worm himself into that position?

How to use it: worm your way into something (He wormed his way into her trust.); worm yourself into something (She wormed herself into the group.)

Similar words: insinuate oneself

Common phrases: worm your way, worm into something

To move forward by twisting your body close to the ground.

• He wormed across the sand.
• The child wormed under the fence.
• We wormed through the narrow tunnel.

How to use it: worm through something (He wormed through the gap.)

Similar words: wriggle, crawl

Common phrases: worm along, worm through something, worm your way