Eruca

/ɪˈrukə/ noun

Definition

A caterpillar; the larval stage of a butterfly or moth, especially as used in scientific or Latin contexts.

Etymology

From Latin 'eruca' meaning caterpillar, possibly derived from Etruscan or another pre-Latin Mediterranean language. Also used to refer to arugula (the plant), which gets its name from the same root.

Kelly Says

The same Latin word 'eruca' means both 'caterpillar' and 'arugula'—botanists believe arugula was named for some resemblance to a caterpillar, or perhaps because caterpillars love eating it.

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