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worm-eaten

worm-eaten

1 6.2
Full of holes that worms or insects make
  • adjective
  • /ˈwɜrmˌiːtən/
translation icon : comido por gusanos
  • As we explored the ancient ruins, we encountered several worm-eaten statues that were crumbling.

Examples

  • He says they're... they're... worm-eaten.

  • The old worm-eaten wood in the attic is no longer safe to use.

  • Put a light on that worm-eaten brush-pile.

  • The ship they tossed her from is worm-eaten, but its crew still believe it seaworthy.

    Blog text (23)
  • We took the raft apart, removed the worm-eaten logs, and replaced them with new balsa logs cut a few miles inland.

    Academic text (2002)
  • Every little worm-eaten brick, every little rotting nook and cranny.

  • The real reproof of curiosity comes after Carter's heroine has discovered "a door of worm-eaten oak" behind which lie the remains of the marquis's three.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Old squaws squatted in the dust, huddled in blankets, and were as impassive as ancient worm-eaten idols.

    Blog text (22)
  • Although the map was worn, worm-eaten, and faded, "its beauty literally stunned me," Espinosa Yglesias later wrote in Cave, City, and Eagle's Nest, a book about the MC2.

    Academic text (2009)
  • The image of a static, worm-eaten tree suggests the impossibility of continuing growth, thus denying the significant elegiac consolation of natural rejuvenation; it also gestures to the impact of trauma on elegiac recovery.

    Academic text (2014)

Synonyms

wormy
vsworm-eaten
2 6.0

Having holes or soft parts because worms have eaten it

emphasizes visible decay and holes rather than infestation
moth-eaten
vsworm-eaten
1 4.8

Old clothing or fabric with small holes made by moths

stresses actual decay and hole damage rather than simply shabby look
vermiculate
vsworm-eaten
9.9

Covered with small holes as if made by worms

is a common description for damage and decay caused by insects
wormholed
vsworm-eaten
8.5

Having small holes made by insects in wood

refers more to general decay and widespread damage not only small holes

Antonyms

304 3.7

Whole and not damaged or missing any parts

12 2.4

Not harmed or broken and still in its original condition

How Damaged

rotten
81 1.0
decayed
1 3.9
worm-eaten
1 6.2
damaged
1 1.1
undamaged
12 2.4

Surface Forms

worm-eaten positive

Morphology

worm-eaten = worm-eat (semi-transparent) = worm + eat + en

The components 'worm' and 'eat' are clear, but the adjective form 'worm-eaten' meaning 'damaged or decayed' is not entirely transparent.

Etymology

Worm-eaten is a simple compound of worm and eaten, literally meaning 'eaten by worms'. Imagine an old book or wooden shelf with tiny holes where insects have chewed it — that's why worm-eaten now describes something damaged or full of holes from insects.