Cimex lectularius
- noun
- /ˈsaɪmɛks ˌlɛkˈtʊlərɪəs/
- Specialized
:
Cimex lectularius
- Cimex lectularius is the scientific name for the common bedbug that can infest homes and hotels.
Examples
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Pest control experts are trained to identify Cimex lectularius infestations by spotting the bugs and their eggs.
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Many people are allergic to the bites of Cimex lectularius.
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An increase in international travel has contributed to the spread of Cimex lectularius in major cities.
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The Cimex lectularius is a notorious pest in many households.
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Cimex lectularius is a common problem for travelers who often stay in hotels with poor pest control.
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To effectively eliminate Cimex lectularius, homeowners should regularly check their mattresses and bedding for signs of infestation.
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After discovering an infestation of Cimex lectularius, they called a pest control service to handle the problem immediately.
Synonyms
84
2.1
A small insect with no wings that lives in beds and bites people at night
37
1.7
A small insect that bites people at night while they sleep in beds
A small insect that lives in beds and bites people at night
Surface Forms
Morphology
Cimex + lectularius
This is a Latin taxonomic binomial rather than a normal compositional English phrase: the species name combines a genus and a Latin epithet, and 'lectularius' is not a common English word (undefined here). Unless a learner specifically knows Latin roots or taxonomic naming conventions (e.g., that lectularius relates to beds), the meaning 'a species of bedbug' is not derivable from the constituents, so it is not transparently accessible to a B1 learner.
Etymology
Cimex lectularius comes from old Latin words: Cimex meaning 'bug' and lectularius meaning 'of the bed'. So the name literally says 'bed bug', which explains why this insect lives in beds and bites people while they sleep.