caterpillar
nounUK /ˈkætəpɪlə/
US /ˈkætərpɪlər/
A caterpillar is a small, soft bug that looks like a worm and later turns into a butterfly or moth.
The green caterpillar crawled slowly along the leaf.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A type of heavy vehicle with wheels joined by a metal belt, used for moving over rough ground.
The bulldozer moved the dirt with its caterpillar tracks.
3. A brand name for a company that makes heavy construction and farming machines.
The workers used a Caterpillar to dig the foundation.
4. A person or thing that causes harm by taking resources or opportunities from others.
Some critics called the new tax a caterpillar eating into small businesses' profits.