Dictionary
screwworm
noun screw·worm \ˈskrü-ˌwərm\
Definition of SCREWWORM
1
: a blowfly (Cochliomyia hominivorax) of the warmer parts of America whose larva develops in sores or wounds or in the nostrils of mammals including humans with serious or sometimes fatal results; especially : its larva
2
: any of several flies other than the screwworm and especially their larvae which parasitize the flesh of mammals
See screwworm defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of SCREWWORM
1879
Rhymes with SCREWWORM
affirm, bagworm, bloodworm, bookworm, budworm, confirm, cutworm, deworm, dew worm, earthworm, eelworm, flatworm, glowworm, heartworm, hookworm, hornworm, inchworm, infirm, long-term, lugworm, lungworm, midterm, pinworm, ringworm, roundworm, sandworm, short-term, silkworm, tapeworm, webworm, woodworm
Medical Dictionary
screwworm
noun screw·worm \ˈskrü-ˌwərm\
Medical Definition of SCREWWORM
1
: either of two dipteran flies of the genus Cochliomyia: a : one (C. hominivorax) of the warmer parts of America whose larva develops in sores or wounds or in the nostrils of mammals including humans with serious or sometimes fatal results; especially : its larva b : secondary screwworm
2
: a dipteran fly of the genus Chrysomyia (C. bezziana) that causes myiasis in the Old World
Learn More About SCREWWORM
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: screw wrenchPrevious Word in the Dictionary: screw wheelAll Words Near: screwworm
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up screwworm? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).