Vermi-
/ˈvɜːr.mi/noun
A combining form meaning “worm” or “wormlike,” used in scientific and medical terms.
Did you know?The pasta word “vermicelli” means “little worms” in Italian, inspired by its thin, wormlike shape.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wr̥mis
“Worm; creeping or wriggling creature”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ῥύγμος (rhýgmos)
“Worm; a related Indo-European form”
Classical Latin
Latin
vermis
“Worm or insect larva”
Middle English
Anglo-French/Latin
vermin
“Harmful animals, especially pests or insects”
17th Century
English
vermi-
“Scientific combining form meaning “worm””
Modern English
English
vermi-
“A prefix used in terms such as vermiform, vermiculture, and vermicelli”
Explore more surprising origins