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尺取り虫 (しゃくとりむし) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
noun
inchworm ; measuring worm ; looper
Refers to the caterpillar of geometer moths, known for its looping gait. The name literally means 'measuring worm' from its movement resembling measuring with a ruler.
The inchworm moves by arching its body.
Written forms 尺しゃく 取と り 虫むし
尺しゃく 取とり 虫むし
Variant spelling without okurigana り.
Kanji 尺 shaku, Japanese foot, measure Similar words 毛け 虫むし 毛虫 is a general term for hairy caterpillars, while 尺取り虫 specifically refers to inchworms with a looping gait.
芋いも 虫むし 芋虫 refers to hairless, often plump caterpillars, not specifically inchworms.
Etymology Compound of 尺取り (shakutoru, 'measuring with a ruler') + 虫 (mushi, 'bug, worm'), from the inchworm's characteristic looping movement that resembles the action of measuring length with a ruler.
