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Definition of slow worm
slow worm
Plural:slow worms
slow worm Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
8
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A small, legless lizard (Anguis fragilis) native to Eurasia, which superficially resembles a snake but is distinguished by its ability to blink and detach its tail.
Example
"While turning over the compost heap in the garden, the ecologist carefully relocated a resting slow worm."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for slow wormWord Nuance & Usage
Despite its name and snake-like appearance, the slow worm is actually a legless lizard; unlike true snakes, it possesses visible eyelids and can shed its tail to escape predators.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from Old English 'slāwyrm'. The first element 'slā-' is of uncertain origin (possibly related to 'slay' or 'slow', or from a lost word for 'earthworm'), and 'wyrm' meant serpent, dragon, or creeping animal.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Slow worm. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 13, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/slow worm