Webster's English Dictionary

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worm

1. worm \'w*rm\ \-.li-k\ n [ME, fr. OE wyrm serpent, worm; akin to OHG wurm 
   serpent, worm, L (] often attribXvermis worm 1a: EARTHWORM; broadly : an 
   annelid worm  1b: any of numerous relatively small elongated usu. naked and 
   soft-bodied a nimals : as 1b1: an insect larva; esp : one that is a 
   destructive grub, caterpi llar, or maggot 1b2: SHIPWORM  1b3: BLINDWORM  
   2a: a human being who is an object of contempt, loathing, or pity : WR ETCH 
   2b: something that inwardly torments or devours  archaic  3: SNAKE, SERPENT 
    4: HELMINTHIASIS - usu. used in pl.  5: something (as a mechanical device) 
   spiral or vermiculate in form or appe arance : as 5a: the threads of a 
   screw  5b: a short revolving screw whose thread gear with the teeth of a 
   worm whee l or a rack 5c: a spiral condensing tube used in distilling  5d: 
   ARCHIMEDES' SCREW; also : a conveyor working on the princ iple of such a 
   screw - worm.like aj
2. worm vi 1: to move or proceed sinuously  2a: to proceed or make one's 
   way insidiously or deviously - usu. used wi th into {spies ~ into important 
   positions} 2b: to evade or escape in indirect or subtle fashion : WRIGGLE - 
    usu. used with out of 1: to free (as a dog) from worms  2a: to cause to 
   move or proceed in or as if in the manner of a worm  2b: to insinuate or 
   introduce (oneself) by devious or subtle means  3: to wind rope or yarn 
   spirally round and between the strands of (a cable  or rope) before serving 
   4: to obtain or extract by artful or insidious questioning or by pleading,  
   asking, or persuading - usu. used with out of - worm.er n