oil beetle

noun

: any of various blister beetles (genus Meloe or a related genus) that emit a yellowish liquid from the leg joints when disturbed

Word History

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oil beetle was in 1658

Dictionary Entries Near oil beetle

oil bath

oil beetle

oilbird

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Oil beetle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oil%20beetle. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oil beetle

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