n. [ AS. slāwyrm; the first part is probably akin to sleán to strike, the reptile being supposed to be very poisonous. See Slay, v. t., and Worm. ] (Zool.) A lecertilian reptile; the blindworm. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Zool.) A coleopterous insect of the genus Lampyris; esp., the wingless females and larvæ of the two European species (L. noctiluca, and L. splendidula), which emit light from some of the abdominal segments. [ 1913 Webster ]

Like a glowworm in the night,
The which hath fire in darkness, none in light. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The male is winged, and is supposed to be attracted by the light of the female. In America, the luminous larvæ of several species of fireflies and fire beetles are called glowworms. Both sexes of these are winged when mature. See Firefly. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Zool.) A coleopterous insect of the genus Lampyris; esp., the wingless females and larvæ of the two European species (L. noctiluca, and L. splendidula), which emit light from some of the abdominal segments. [ 1913 Webster ]

Like a glowworm in the night,
The which hath fire in darkness, none in light. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The male is winged, and is supposed to be attracted by the light of the female. In America, the luminous larvæ of several species of fireflies and fire beetles are called glowworms. Both sexes of these are winged when mature. See Firefly. [ 1913 Webster ]