Croton bug

noun

Cro·​ton bug ˈkrō-tᵊn- How to pronounce Croton bug (audio)
: german cockroach

Word History

Etymology

Croton River, New York, used as a water supply for New York City

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Croton bug was in 1877

Dictionary Entries Near Croton bug

crotonate

Croton bug

Crotone

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Croton bug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Croton%20bug. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

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Medical Definition

Croton bug

noun
Cro·​ton bug ˈkrōt-ᵊn- How to pronounce Croton bug (audio)
: german cockroach
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