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Maggot - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A maggot is the soft, legless larva of a fly, often found in decaying organic matter. It is typically white or cream-colored and plays a role in decomposition.

maggot

/ˈmæɡət/ /ˈmæɡət/

Definition:

The soft-bodied larva of a fly, often found in decaying matter.

Synonyms:

grub, larva, worm

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

adult fly, butterfly

Common Collocations:

rotting meat, dead animal, compost heap

Derivatives:

maggoty, maggot-infested

Usage Tips:

Use "maggot" to describe fly larvae, often in contexts involving decay or infestation.

Common Phrases:

feel like a maggot in a rotten apple, maggot-ridden

Etymology:

From Middle English "magot," possibly from Old Norse "möggr," meaning worm or grub.

Examples:

  • 1. The maggot wriggled in the spoiled fruit.
  • 2. She screamed when she saw a maggot in the trash bin.
  • 3. Fishermen sometimes use maggots as bait for small fish.
  • 4. The compost pile was full of squirming maggots.

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