An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Wurm

by Friedrich Kluge

Wurm, m., ‘worm, grub,’ from MidHG. and OHG. wurm, ‘worm, insect, serpent, dragon’; comp. Goth. waûrms, ‘serpent,’ OSax. wurm, ‘serpent,’ Du. and E. worm. The meaning of the common Teut. word varies between ‘worm’ and ‘serpent’ (comp. Lindwurm). The former occurs in the primit. allied Lat. vermis, ‘worm,’ with which Gr. ῥόμος (ῥόμοξ for ϝρομο-), ‘wood-worm,’ is related by gradation. Sans. kṛmi, ‘worm,’ Lith. kirmėlě and OIr. cruim (OSlov črŭvĭ), ‘worm,’ are not connected with this word; nor is Gr. ἕλμις, ‘maw-worm,’ related to it. —