Vermicular

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /vəˈmɪk.jʊ.lə/

Definitions

1. Having a worm-like shape or movement; characterized by sinuous, twisting patterns resembling the tracks or form of worms
2. Resembling or having characteristics of a worm in structure or motion
3. exhibiting a meandering or serpentine form similar to that of a worm's path

Etymology: Latin "vermis" meant "worm," and "vermiculus" was its diminutive, meaning "little worm." Adding the Latin adjective ending "-aris" produced "vermicularis," meaning worm-like, and English took this over as "vermicular," applied to anything that twists or winds like a worm's path. The same root appears in some unexpected places. Vermicelli, the thin pasta, is Italian for "little worms." The mineral vermiculite is named for its behavior when heated: it swells and splits into wormlike, accordion-like strands.

Synonyms: worm-like, serpentine, snakelike