shipworm
/ˈʃɪpˌwɜrm/
noun
- A marine mollusk with a long, wormlike body that burrows into and damages wooden ships, docks, and other underwater structures.
- The old wooden pier was infested with shipworms and had to be replaced.
- Marine biologists study shipworms to understand how they digest wood.
- Shipworms can cause serious damage to wooden hulls if not treated.
Synonyms