Definition

A type of marine mollusk that looks like a worm and bores into wood, especially underwater wood like that of ships, causing damage.

Example

The shipworm can weaken the structure of a dock by burrowing into the wooden supports.

Conversation

Did you know there are creatures called shipworms that can damage ships?

Really? I had no idea such things existed!

Yeah, they burrow into wood and can cause a lot of problems for boats.

That's wild! I guess it's important to check for them regularly.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Shipworm is formed from "ship" (from Old English *scip*, meaning a vessel for travel on water) and "worm" (from Old English *wyrm*, meaning a serpent or creature). The word refers to a marine bivalve mollusk that bores into wood, particularly ships, resembling a worm in its destructive behavior.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'ship' as a vessel that travels on water and a 'worm' as a creature that bores into things. This helps you remember that a shipworm is a creature that bores into ships.

Visually Confused Words