\Silk"worm`\, n. [AS. seolcwyrm.] (Zo["o]l.)
The larva of any one of numerous species of bombycid moths,
which spins a large amount of strong silk in constructing its
cocoon before changing to a pupa.
Note: The common species ({Bombyx mori}) feeds on the leaves
      of the white mulberry tree. It is native of China, but
      has long been introduced into other countries of Asia
      and Europe, and is reared on a large scale. In America
      it is reared only to small extent. The Ailanthus
      silkworm ({Philosamia cynthia}) is a much larger
      species, of considerable importance, which has been
      introduced into Europe and America from China. The most
      useful American species is the Polyphemus. See
      {Polyphemus}.
{Pernyi silkworm}, the larva of the Pernyi moth. See {Pernyi
   moth}.
{Silkworm gut}, a substance prepared from the contents of the
   silk glands of silkworms and used in making lines for
   angling. See {Gut}.
{Silkworm rot}, a disease of silkworms; muscardine.