Words of the Week

worm:  / wɜːm /

(noun)  1. Any of a number of invertebrates with a long cylindrical or flat soft body, typically annelids, nematodes or flatworms 2. plural worms intestinal or other internal parasites, or any disease or disorder that arises from their presence in the body 3. a contemptible, weak or devious person, especially who has an obsequious manner 4. computing a self-replicating program that propagates across a network.

(noun)  can of worms  colloquial  A difficult or complicated situation, which becomes more complex upon examination or when attempting to resolve it.

worm:  / wɜːm /

(verb)  To move slowly or with difficulty, by creeping, crawling, or slithering.  

(verb)  To obtain something, e.g. information, from someone using deceptive or underhand means.  

(verb)  To ingratiate or insinuate one’s way into the good graces of someone else.

wyrm:  / wɜːm / 

(noun)  poetic  A large snake, a serpent.

(noun)  archaic  A mythological serpent, or dragon.

[Middle English, Old English: wyrm ‘serpent’; cognate with Dutch worm, German Wurm, Icelandic ormr, akin to Latin vermis]