noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun

1. 1
   The larva of a noctuid moth (Achatodes zeae) which feeds inside the stalks of maize. It is smooth, with a black head and tail and a row of black dots across each segment. rare

Etymology

From spindle + worm.

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.