Caterpillar
Pronunciation
/ˈkætərˌpɪlər/
Definitions
1. The larval stage of an insect, particularly a butterfly or moth, characterized by a segmented body and often covered with hair or bristles.
2. A type of heavy machinery, such as a tractor or excavator, that is built to move over rough terrain with tracks (also known as a 'bulldozer' or 'track-type machine').
Usage Examples
1. The caterpillar wriggled along the leaf, munching on the green foliage.
2. The construction site had a large caterpillar moving dirt and leveling the ground.
Etymology
Originating from Middle English 'catyrpel' (a variant of 'catirpel', meaning 'caterpillar'), the word is derived from Old French 'catepelose', a compound of 'cat' (a variation of 'cater') and 'pelose' (meaning hairy or bristly). The term refers to the insect’s hairy or bristly appearance.
Synonyms
1. Larva (for insects)
2. Track-type vehicle (for machinery)
3. Caterpillar machine
Antonyms
1. Butterfly (adult form of the insect)
2. Human vehicle (for machinery)
Translations
| Language |
Translation |
Pronunciation |
| English |
Caterpillar |
/ˈkætərˌpɪlər/ |
| Spanish |
Oruga |
/oˈruɣa/ |
| French |
Chenille |
/ʃəˈnij/ |
| German |
Raupe |
/ˈʁaʊ̯pə/ |
| Italian |
Bruchi |
/ˈbruːki/ |
| Portuguese |
Lagarta |
/laˈɡaɾtɐ/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) |
毛毛虫 |
/máomaochóng/ |
| Japanese |
毛虫 |
/kemushi/ |
| Arabic |
يرقة |
/yirqah/ |
| Russian |
Гусеница |
/ˈɡusʲɪnʲɪtsə/ |
| Hindi |
कीड़ा |
/kīṛā/ |
| Bengali |
পোকা |
/poka/ |
| Gujarati |
ખચરું |
/khacharũ/ |
| Marathi |
दुमट |
/dumṭa/ |
| Telugu |
పొగలు |
/pōgalu/ |
| Tamil |
பூச்சி |
/pūcci/ |
| Punjabi |
ਕੇੜਾ |
/keṛā/ |
| Malayalam |
പുഴുക്കുട്ടി |
/puṟukkutti/ |
| Kannada |
ಹುಲಿ ಹುಣ್ಣಿ |
/huli huṇṇi/ |
| Odia |
କୀଟ |
/kīṭa/ |
| Assamese |
পোকা |
/poka/ |
| Maithili |
कीड़ा |
/kīṛā/ |
| Sindhi |
کیکڑ |
/keikar/ |
| Dogri |
گھنٹہ |
/ghantā/ |
| Rajasthani |
किटड़ा |
/kiṭaṛā/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
In some dialects, particularly in rural areas, 'caterpillar' may be pronounced with a softer 'p' sound, as /ˈkætərˌpilər/.
Historical Usage
The term 'caterpillar' has been used in English since the 14th century, originally as 'catyrpel' or 'caterpel', meaning a furry or bristly insect. The word likely came from Old French 'catepelose', a combination of 'cater' (cat) and 'pelose' (hairy), which referred to the insect’s appearance.
Cultural Nuances
Caterpillars are often associated with metamorphosis and change in many cultures. In some traditions, they are considered symbols of transformation and growth. In other cultures, they are seen as pests that harm crops and vegetation.
More Information
The caterpillar is a crucial part of the life cycle of butterflies and moths. It is primarily a feeding stage, where the insect grows rapidly before undergoing metamorphosis into its adult form. Some caterpillars, such as those of the silkworm, are economically significant, while others are used as food in various parts of the world. Caterpillars play important ecological roles as herbivores and serve as food for other animals, including birds and small mammals.