agaveworm

noun

aga·​ve·​worm

ə-ˈgä-vē-ˌwərm also -ˈgā-

: the larva of various butterflies (as Aegiale hesperiaris) of the family Megathymidae that is fried and eaten in Mexico and the U.S.

called also maguey worm

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!