vermiform

American  

[vur-muh-fawrm] / ˈvɜr məˌfɔrm /

adjective

1. resembling a worm in shape; long and slender.

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vermiform British  

/ ˈvɜːmɪˌfɔːm /

adjective

1. resembling a worm

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Other Word Forms

• subvermiform adjective

Etymology

Origin of vermiform

From the Medieval Latin word vermiformis, dating back to 1720–30. See vermi-, -form

Explanation

Anything vermiform is long, skinny, and tube-shaped, like a worm. Snakes, earthworms, and even the human appendix can be described as vermiform. The term vermiform is used by scientists to describe worms and worm-like animals — it comes from two Latin roots, vermis, "worm," and forma, "form or shape." So a biologist might describe vermiform leeches in a lake or an infectious disease specialist might diagnose a patient with a vermiform parasite like pinworms. Sometimes body parts with this general shape are also called vermiform, like the vermiform appendix that most humans have.

Example Sentences

The vermiform, “worm-like,” appendix is located at the ileocecal valve.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The appendix just sits there with its little vermiform arms folded, pointing a bacteria-filled gun at you.

From Washington Post • Jul. 16, 2015

For non-cavers who read it, the sensation of being trapped in Mother Earth's vermiform appendix is persuasively real, and the impulse to run gasping into the open air is strong.

From Time Magazine Archive

Manhattanites were interested last week in the following statement by Miss Guinan: Secretary of State Stimson last week found his desk strewn with vexatious matters appertaining to that troublesome, vermiform little neighbor, Cuba.

From Time Magazine Archive

Dining rooms are the vermiform appendix of American architecture.

From "Landscape with Invisible Hand" by M.T. Anderson