glow-worm
Definition
- Noun:
- A type of beetle: "glow-worm" refers to a type of beetle, especially of the family Lampyridae, whose larvae or wingless females emit a greenish light from the abdomen. This bioluminescence is used to attract mates or prey.
- A luminous insect: In common usage, "glow-worm" can also refer to any insect that produces light, such as certain fireflies, though strictly it applies to specific beetle species.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- We saw a glow-worm in the garden last night, its tail glowing brightly. (A luminous beetle emitting light.)
- The glow-worm's light is produced by a chemical reaction in its body. (The bioluminescence mechanism of the insect.)
Advanced Usage
"to be like a glow-worm": to emit a faint, steady light or to be noticeable in the dark.
- The tiny lamp shone like a glow-worm in the dark forest. (The light was small but visible.)
"glow-worm light": a soft, greenish luminescence.
- The cave walls were lit by a glow-worm light from the ceiling. (The light from the insects illuminated the cave.)
Variants and Related Words
Glow-worm (n): the standard spelling; sometimes hyphenated as "glowworm" (without hyphen) in modern usage.
- The glowworm crawled across the leaf. (Alternative spelling of glow-worm.)
Glow (n/v): a steady light or to emit light.
- The fireflies glow in the summer night. (To produce light.)
Worm (n): a long, slender invertebrate animal; though glow-worms are beetles, the name historically compares them to worms.
Synonyms
- Firefly: a common term for luminous beetles, especially those that fly as adults.
- Lightning bug: a colloquial synonym for firefly, used mainly in American English.
Related Idioms
"Not a glow-worm in sight": an informal phrase meaning no light or hope is visible.
- After the power went out, there was not a glow-worm in sight. (The area was completely dark.)
"As bright as a glow-worm": a simile meaning faintly or dimly lit.
- The old lamp was as bright as a glow-worm, barely lighting the room. (Very dim light.)