cankerworm
nounUK /ˈkæŋkəwɜːm/
US /ˈkæŋkərwɜːrm/
A cankerworm is a small caterpillar that eats the leaves of trees.
The apple tree lost many leaves because a cankerworm was munching on them.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The larva of a geometer moth that moves by looping its body.
The cankerworm arched its back as it crawled along the branch.
3. Any of several pests that damage orchard trees by feeding on buds and leaves.
Farmers sprayed the orchard to protect it from cankerworms.
4. A caterpillar known for stripping the leaves of shade and fruit trees in spring.
In spring, cankerworms can quickly defoliate a young maple.