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

Browse Nearby Words

Xylophagidae
xylophagous
xylophilous
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Xylophagous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/xylophagous. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

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