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Webster 1913 Edition
Glowworm
Glow′wormˊ
,Noun.
(Zool.)
A coleopterous insect of the genus
Lampyris
; esp., the wingless females and larvæ of the two European species (L. noctiluca
, and L. splendidula
), which emit light from some of the abdominal segments. Like a
The which hath fire in darkness, none in light.
glowworm
in the night,The which hath fire in darkness, none in light.
Shakespeare
☞ The male is winged, and is supposed to be attracted by the light of the female. In America, the luminous larvæ of several species of fireflies and fire beetles are called glowworms. Both sexes of these are winged when mature. See
Firefly
. Webster 1828 Edition
Glowworm
GLOWWORM
,Noun.
Definition 2024
glowworm
glowworm
See also: glow-worm
English
![](http://llc12.www.definify.com/images_main/Glow_worm_305654931.jpg)
A glowworm (Lampyris noctiluca)
Alternative forms
Noun
- The larva or wingless grub-like female of a beetle from the families Phengodidae or Lampyridae that gives out a green light from its abdomen.
- 1623, William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, Act1, Scene 5, 1794, Edmond Malone, Samuel Johnson, George Steevens, Alexander Pope (editors), The Plays and Poems of William Shakespeare, Volume 14, page 222,
- The glow-worm ſhews the Matin to be near, / And 'gins to pale his uneffectual fire: / Adieu, adieu, adieu! remember me.
- 1623, William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, Act1, Scene 5, 1794, Edmond Malone, Samuel Johnson, George Steevens, Alexander Pope (editors), The Plays and Poems of William Shakespeare, Volume 14, page 222,
Translations
beetle larva or female
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