noun
silverfish
SIL-ver-fish
Silverfish (noun) means a silverfish is a small, wingless insect with silvery scales, of the species Lepisma saccharinum, belonging to the bristletail group. Example: “We found a silverfish scuttling out from behind the bathroom skirting board.”
noun
1
A silverfish is a small, wingless insect with silvery scales, of the species Lepisma saccharinum, belonging to the bristletail group.
"We found a silverfish scuttling out from behind the bathroom skirting board."
"Silverfish thrive in damp, dark corners of the house."
"She spotted several silverfish near the old books in the loft."
How to use silverfish
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA silverfish is a small silvery insect often seen in damp parts of a house.
When to use it
It is a plain, everyday term used in ordinary household contexts.
Memory tip
Despite the name, a household silverfish is an insect, not a fish.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
a silverfish infestation
damp and silverfish
silverfish in the bathroom
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We found a _____ scuttling out from behind the bathroom skirting board.
Etymology
The word is formed from silver and fish, describing the insect's silvery, fish-like appearance.
Synonyms
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fishmoth
Frequently asked questions
What is a silverfish?
It is a small, wingless, silvery insect from the bristletail group, often found in damp household corners.
Are silverfish harmful?
The grounding text does not state whether they are harmful, so nothing specific can be said beyond their appearance and habitat.
Why is it called a silverfish?
It gets its name from its silvery scales and fish-like shape, combining the words silver and fish.
What is the meaning of silverfish?
"silverfish" (noun) means a silverfish is a small, wingless insect with silvery scales, of the species Lepisma saccharinum, belonging to the bristletail group.
