1.
[syn: measuring worm, inchworm, looper]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Measuring \Meas"ur*ing\, a.
Used in, or adapted for, ascertaining measurements, or
dividing by measure.
[1913 Webster]
Measuring faucet, a faucet which permits only a given
quantity of liquid to pass each time it is opened, or one
by means of which the liquid which passes can be measured.
Measuring worm (Zool.), the larva of any geometrid moth.
They are so called because they move by a process in which
they first pull the rear legs forward toward their front
legs, forming a loop which resembles the process of
measuring with a tape measure. The motion is completed by
subsequently moving the front legs forward to an advanced
position. See Geometrid.
[1913 Webster +PJC]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
measuring worm
n 1: small hairless caterpillar having legs on only its front
and rear segments; mostly larvae of moths of the family
Geometridae [syn: measuring worm, inchworm, looper]