Definition

Describing something that is infested with pests or considered disgusting and harmful, often related to animals like rats or insects.

Example

The old house was verminous, filled with rats and other pests.

Conversation

Did you see that old house down the street?

Yeah, it looks really verminous and abandoned.

I can't believe someone would let it get that bad.

Right? It must be a breeding ground for pests!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Verminous → It is formed from "vermin" (from Old French *vermine*, meaning small pests or harmful creatures) and the suffix "-ous" (meaning full of). The word "verminous" describes something that is full of or infested with vermin or pests.

Memory Tip

Think of 'vermin' as small pests, and remember that 'verminous' means full of those pests.

Visually Confused Words