silkworm

silkworm [silk-wurm] Word Origin noun

1. the larva of the Chinese silkworm moth, Bombyx mori, which spins a cocoon of commercially valuable silk.
2. the larva of any of several moths of the family Saturniidae, which spins a silken cocoon.

Origin of silkworm before 1000; Middle English sylkewyrme, Old English seolcwyrm. See silk, worm British Dictionary definitions for silkworm silkworm noun

1. the larva of the Chinese moth Bombyx mori, that feeds on the leaves of the mulberry tree: widely cultivated as a source of silk
2. any of various similar or related larvae
3. silkworm moth the moth of any of these larvae

Word Origin and History for silkworm n.

Old English seolcwyrm; see silk + worm (n.).