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January 6, 2024
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| Word of the
Week--"caterpillar" |
Definition--the larva of a butterfly
or moth, which has a segmented worm-like body and is often hairy or
conspicuously patterned.
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Discussion--Caterpillars come in
many forms. Some are hairy, such as the woolly bear caterpillar of the
Isabella tiger moth, that many believe can predict the length of the
coming winter. Others, such as the caterpillars of large night-flying
moths like the luna moth and Cecropia moth, are smooth and green. Many
caterpillars have protective devices such as sharp spines that secrete an
irratating substance or odor. Still, caterpillars are devoured by birds
and the remaining caterpillars are voracious eaters that devour
foliage.
Caterpillars have silk glands that open into a mouth part called the
spinneret. The caterpillar exudes a silk strand continuously as it moves
along. Many caterpillars use the thread to build a cocoon in which to
pupate. Most molt their skin (to accommodate growth) five or six times
before pupation.
In recent times, caterpillar or caterpillar tread has taken on a
mechanical meaning that of the circular tracks, passing over a number of
wheels, on which tanks, tractors, and other vehicles intended for rough
terrain run.
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| Etymology--The term
caterpillar is from the Old French chateplose, which
literally meant hairy cat. That meaning was derived from the Late Latin
catta cat + pelose hairy.
Interestingly the French term for caterpillar is chenille, which
in English refers to the corded cloth often used for robes. This cloth has
the look of hairy caterpillars.
The languages below all show different roots for the language's term
for caterpillar--although, you can see some similarity between the German
and the Dutch term. |
Foreign
Translations
| German: |
Raupe (f) |
| Dutch: |
rups (de) |
| French: |
chenille (f) |
| Italian: |
bruco |
| Spanish: |
oruga | |
Jane Ellis
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