Any worm of the genus Lumbricus and allied genera, found in damp soil. One of the largest and most abundant species in Europe and America is L. terrestris; many others are known; -- called also angleworm and dewworm.

Estimates say that up to 7.5 million earthworms live in every hectare of ground. They are essential to the health of the soil, they draw organic matter down, bring subsoil up and their burrows assist drainage and aeration.

Earthworms are a vital component of a healthy soil ecosystem. Borrowing through the ground, earthworms eat organic matter then excrete it in the form of castings. Castings are a rich soil amendment containing nutrients in a form usable to plants (they are sometimes harvested and sold in bags). The tunnels the earthworm creates leave a useful channel for air and water, thus contributing to good soil structure. Because earthworms digest organic matter, they can be used for composting -- see vermiculture. (Note: Ammonium Sulfate, a common ingredient in chemical fertilizers, should be avoided because of its toxicity to earthworms.)

a hermaphrodite

A mean, sordid person; a niggard.

a little animal with a long, soft body and live in a variety of biomes, including the taiga

a little animal with a long, soft body and no legs

a type of invertebrate

A derogatory term for people from House Red Star.