Lepisma

noun

Le·​pis·​ma
lə̇ˈpizmə
: a genus (the type of the family Lepismatidae) of primitively wingless insects of the order Thysanura having a long flat body covered with shining scales and terminated by three long jointed styles see silverfish compare firebrat
lepismid
-mə̇d
noun
plural -s

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek, peel, from lepizein to peel, from lepos rind, scale + -izein -ize

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near Lepisma

Cite this Entry

“Lepisma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Lepisma. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!