\Wire"worm`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
(a) One of the larv[ae] of various species of snapping
    beetles, or elaters; -- so called from their slenderness
    and the uncommon hardness of the integument. Wireworms
    are sometimes very destructive to the roots of plants.
    Called also {wire grub}.
(b) A galleyworm.