English Explanatory Dictionary

slowworm

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A small Old World lizard, Anguis fragilis, often mistaken for a snake, having no legs and small eyes.

Pronunciation

/ˈsləʊwɜː(ɹ)m/ en-uk-slowworm.ogg

Word forms

slowworm slowworms slow worm slow-worm

Etymology

From Middle English sloworm (possibly influenced by slow), from Old English slāwyrm (“slow-worm, blindworm”), from *slā, related to Norwegian slo (“slow-worm”), Swedish slå (“slow-worm”) + wyrm (“worm, snake”). Compare Swedish ormslå.

Synonyms

blindworm deaf adder hazelworm long-cripple steelworm
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