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

Dictionary Entries Near xylophagous

Cite this Entry

“Xylophagous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/xylophagous. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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


Challenging Standardized Test Words, Vol. 2

  • a pencil broken in half on top of a test answer sheet
  • The business’s new computer system proved not to be a panacea.
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY