'caterpillars' definitions:
Definition of 'caterpillars'
From: GCIDE
- Larva \Lar"va\ (l[aum]r"v[.a]), n.; pl. L. Larv[ae] (l[aum]r"v[ae]), E. Larvas (l[aum]r"v[.a]z). [L. larva ghost, specter, mask.]
- 1. (Zool.) Any young insect from the time that it hatches from the egg until it becomes a pupa, or chrysalis. During this time it usually molts several times, and may change its form or color each time. The larv[ae] of many insects are much like the adults in form and habits, but have no trace of wings, the rudimentary wings appearing only in the pupa stage. In other groups of insects the larv[ae] are totally unlike the parents in structure and habits, and are called caterpillars, grubs, maggots, etc. [1913 Webster]
- 2. (Zool.) The early, immature form of any animal when more or less of a metamorphosis takes place, before the assumption of the mature shape. [1913 Webster]
Words containing 'caterpillars'
- Caterpillar,
- Bear caterpillar,
- Caterpillar catcher,
- Caterpillar eater,
- Caterpillar hunter,
- Caterpillar track,
- Harlequin caterpillar,
- Hedgehog caterpillar,
- Hog caterpillar,
- Lackey caterpillar,
- Lobster caterpillar,
- Skiff caterpillar,
- Slug caterpillar,
- Tent caterpillar,
- Zebra caterpillar,
- caterpillar tread,
- lackery caterpillar,
- lappet caterpillar,
- tent caterpillars,
- tussock caterpillar,
- caterpillar-tracked,
- forest tent caterpillar,
- woolly bear caterpillar,
- Salt-marsh caterpillar,
- tent-caterpillar moth