Lepisma
- noun
- /ˈlɛpɪzmə/
- Specialized
- Entomologists classify silverfish under the genus Lepisma.
Examples
-
The Lepisma scurried across the floor.
-
The species Lepisma saccharinum is commonly found in homes worldwide.
-
Entomologists classify silverfish under the genus Lepisma.
-
Members of the genus Lepisma have flat, elongated bodies covered with silvery scales.
-
I found a Lepisma in the bathroom.
-
Members of the genus Lepisma have flat, elongated bodies covered with silvery scales.
-
The species Lepisma saccharinum is commonly found in homes worldwide.
Synonyms
A group of small, wingless insects that includes silverfish
Compounds
- Specialized
A small silver-grey insect without wings that eats glue in books and starchy things
Surface Forms
Etymology
Lepisma comes from the Greek root lepis, which means 'scale', and lepisma meant something 'scale-like'; a helpful image is tiny plates on the body. Silverfish have flat, silvery scales on their bodies, so the name points to their shiny, scaly appearance.