silverfish
pronunciation
How to pronounce silverfish in British English:
UK [ˈsɪlvəfɪʃ]
How to pronounce silverfish in American English:
US [ˈsɪlvərfɪʃ]
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- Noun:
- silver-gray wingless insect found in houses feeding on book bindings and starched clothing
- a silvery variety of Carassius auratus
Word Origin
- silverfish (n.)
- 1703, in reference to various types of silver-colored fish (similar formation in German Silberfisch, Dutch zilvervisch); from silver (adj.) + fish (n.). In reference to a type of household insect damaging to books, wallpaper, etc. (also known as silvertail and furniture-bug), it is attested from 1855.
Example
- 1. Ketchup 's beginning to attract silverfish .
- 2. The larval form of certain insects , such as silverfish and grasshoppers , usually resembling the adult form but smaller and lacking fully developed wings .