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earwig definition

ear·wig (ir′wig′)

noun

any of an order (Dermaptera) of widely distributed insects with short, horny forewings, a pair of forceps at the terminal end of the abdomen, and biting mouthparts

Etymology: ME erwig < OE earwicga < eare, ear + wicga, beetle, worm < IE base *weik-, to wind, bend > L vicia, vetch: so called from the baseless notion that it particularly seeks out the human ear to crawl into

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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