Anthrenus

noun

An·​thre·​nus
anˈthrēnəs
: a genus of small beetles (family Dermestidae) having hairy larvae very destructive to woolen goods, fur, or other organic materials and including the carpet beetles and small gray and brown museum pests (A. varius and A. musaeorum) that destroy botanical and zoological specimens

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, irregular from Greek anthrēnē hornet, wasp

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Cite this Entry

“Anthrenus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Anthrenus. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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