xylophagous

adjective

xy·loph·a·gous zī-ˈlä-fə-gəs

: 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

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Browse Nearby Words

Xylophagidae

xylophagous

xylophilous

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Xylophagous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/xylophagous. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

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