xylophagous

adjective

xy·​loph·​a·​gous zī-ˈlä-fə-gəs How to pronounce xylophagous (audio)
: feeding on or in wood
xylophagous insects

Word History

Etymology

Greek xylophagos, from xyl- + -phagos -phagous

First Known Use

1739, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of xylophagous was in 1739

Dictionary Entries Near xylophagous

Xylophagidae

xylophagous

xylophilous

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Xylophagous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/xylophagous. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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