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caterpillar

Syllabification: (cat·er·pil·lar)

Pronunciation: /ˈkatə(r)ˌpilər/

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Definition of caterpillar

noun

1the larva of a butterfly or moth, having a segmented wormlike body with three pairs of true legs and several pairs of leglike appendages. Caterpillars may be hairy, have warning coloration, or be colored to resemble their surroundings.
(in general use) any insect larva resembling the larvae of butterflies and moths, especially the sawfly.

2 (also caterpillar track or tread) trademark an articulated steel band passing around the wheels of a vehicle for travel on rough ground.
a vehicle with caterpillar tracks.

Origin:

late Middle English: perhaps from a variant of Old French chatepelose, literally 'hairy cat', influenced by obsolete piller 'ravager.' The association with “cat” is found in other languages, e.g., Swiss German Teufelskatz (literally 'devil's cat'), Lombard gatta (literally 'cat'). Compare with French chaton, English catkin, resembling hairy caterpillars

The ending of caterpillar is spelled -ar.

caterpillar in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of caterpillar in the British & World English dictionary

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