worm-eaten
/'wə:m,i:tn/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Infested with or damaged by worms: Describes something, typically wood, food, or other organic material, that has been bored into, consumed, or ruined by the larvae of insects (worms, beetles, moths, etc.).
- Figuratively, old, decrepit, or antiquated: Used to describe something that is very old, worn out, or outdated, as if it had been metaphorically consumed by time.
Usage Examples
- Literal meaning (damaged by worms):
- Figurative meaning (old and decrepit):
Advanced Usage
- "worm-eaten through and through": Emphasizes that something is completely permeated or ruined by worms or decay.
- Used attributively to describe the state of an object.
Variants and Related Words
- Wormy (adj): Full of or infested with worms; resembling a worm. (e.g., , ).
- Bored (adj): Pierced with holes, often by insects. (Note: This is a more general term).
- Moth-eaten (adj): Eaten by moth larvae; figuratively, shabby or outdated. (A close synonym, often used for fabrics).
Synonyms
- Decayed: Rotted or decomposed.
- Decrepit: Worn out or broken down by age or use.
- Infested: Overrun with pests or parasites.
- Rotten: Decomposed or spoiled.
Related Phrases
- Eaten away: Gradually destroyed or eroded.
- Riddled with holes: Full of holes, often from infestation or damage.
Related Idioms
- A can of worms: A complex, troublesome situation. (Note: This idiom is related to 'worm' but not directly to 'worm-eaten'. It is listed here due to the shared root word).
Adjective
-
infested with or damaged (as if eaten) by worms
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