earwig

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an elongated insect with a pair of forceps-like pincers at the end of its abdomen

   An earwig hid beneath the damp flowerpot during the day.

From Middle English erwigge and Old English earwicga, literally 'ear insect', from eare 'ear' + wicga 'insect'. The name is traditionally linked to old folklore that the insect crawls into people's ears; the precise original motivation is uncertain.

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