'Measuring worm' definitions:

Definition of 'measuring worm'

From: WordNet
noun
Small hairless caterpillar having legs on only its front and rear segments; mostly larvae of moths of the family Geometridae [syn: measuring worm, inchworm, looper]

Definition of 'Measuring worm'

From: GCIDE
  • Measuring \Meas"ur*ing\, a. Used in, or adapted for, ascertaining measurements, or dividing by measure. [1913 Webster]
  • Measuring faucet, a faucet which permits only a given quantity of liquid to pass each time it is opened, or one by means of which the liquid which passes can be measured.
  • Measuring worm (Zool.), the larva of any geometrid moth. They are so called because they move by a process in which they first pull the rear legs forward toward their front legs, forming a loop which resembles the process of measuring with a tape measure. The motion is completed by subsequently moving the front legs forward to an advanced position. See Geometrid. [1913 Webster +PJC]