Definition

A small, wingless insect that is usually silvery or gray and often found in homes, where it feeds on materials like paper, clothing, and food, potentially causing damage.

Example

I found a silverfish crawling in my kitchen, which is a sign that I need to check for damp areas.

Conversation

I found a silverfish in my bathroom yesterday.

Oh no! Those things can be really annoying.

Yeah, I didn't even know what it was at first.

They love to hide in damp places, so you should check your books too.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Silverfish → The word 'silverfish' is a compound of 'silver' (from Old English 'seolfor', meaning the metal silver) and 'fish' (from Old English 'fisc', meaning fish). The term describes a small, wingless insect that has a silvery appearance, resembling a fish in shape and movement.

Memory Tip

Think of the shiny 'silver' color of the insect and its 'fish'-like shape and movement, which helps you remember that 'silverfish' refers to this silvery, fish-shaped insect.

Visually Confused Words