Main Entry:

cat·er·pil·lar

Pronunciation:

\ˈka-tə(r)-ˌpi-lər\

Function:

noun

Usage:

often attributive

Etymology:

Middle English catyrpel, from Anglo-French *catepelose, literally, hairy cat

Date:

15th century

: the elongated wormlike larva of a butterfly or moth ; also : any of various similar larvae