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caterpillar definition

cat·er·pil·lar (kat′ər pil′ər; kat′ə-)

noun

the wormlike larva of various insects, esp. of a butterfly or moth

Etymology: ME catirpel < NormFr catepilose (OFr chatepelose), lit., hairy cat < L catta, cat + pilosus < pilus, hair: see pile

a tractor equipped on each side with a continuous roller belt over cogged wheels, for moving over rough or muddy ground

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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Butterfly, Moth, Caterpillar144 years ago

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