Nota: A tradução desta entrada está atualmente em revisão de qualidade, portanto parte do conteúdo é exibida temporariamente apenas em inglês.
Este verbete ainda não foi traduzido para o seu idioma, portanto o original é exibido abaixo.
caterpillar
The term evokes a sense of transformation and vulnerability when referring to the insect, often serving as a biological symbol for growth and metamorphosis. In a naturalistic context, it suggests a slow, methodical pace and a singular focus on consumption before the pupal stage.
When applied to machinery, the word shifts toward connotations of industrial power, stability, and unstoppable momentum. It describes a mechanical adaptation that mimics the distributed weight of the insect to conquer difficult terrain, moving the focus from biological fragility to engineering durability.
Meanings
Examples
Look at that fuzzy caterpillar crawling up the stem.
I wonder how long it takes for a caterpillar to form a chrysalis.
The garden was full of caterpillars eating the cabbage.
The tank moved smoothly across the mud on its caterpillar tracks.
We need a vehicle with a caterpillar drive to get through this swamp.
The heavy excavator uses a caterpillar system to avoid sinking into the soft soil.
Is that a caterpillar track on the back of the robot?