n. (Zool.) (a) One of the larvae 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. [ 1913 Webster ]
[はりがねむし;ハリガネムシ, hariganemushi ; hariganemushi] (n) (1) (uk) (See 線形虫) any horsehair worm of class Gordioidea; gordian worm (of class Gordioidea); hair worm (of class Gordioidea); (2) (See 米搗虫) wireworm (click beetle larva)