Fireworm

/ˈfaɪɚwɜɹm/ noun

Definition

A type of luminescent marine worm that produces light, or a larval stage of certain beetles that creates a bright appearance.

Etymology

Compound word: 'fire' (from Old English 'fȳr') plus 'worm' (from Old English 'wyrm'). Named for the creature's ability to produce light, resembling fire.

Kelly Says

Fireworms are real creatures that light up the ocean with bioluminescence—seeing millions of them glowing in the water is so magical that Spanish conquistadors thought they'd discovered undersea treasure, when really they were just watching tiny worms!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.