Dictionary entry

Lepisma

Webster's Dictionary 1913

‖Le‐pis″ma (lē̍‐pĭz″mȧ), n. [NL., fr. Gr. λέπισμα peel, fr. λεπίσ-ίδοσ, a scale.] (Zoöl.) A genus of wingless thysanurous insects having an elongated flattened body, covered with shining scales and terminated by seven unequal bristles. A common species (Lepisma saccharina) is found in houses, and often injures books and furniture. Called also shiner, silver witch, silver moth, and furniture bug.