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

Cite this Entry

“Xylophagous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/xylophagous. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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