Silverfish

/ˈsɪlvərfɪʃ/

noun

A small, silver-grey insect that likes moist and dark places and damages things like books and wallpaper.

I found several silverfish in the basement, they seemed to be attracted to the old books I had stored there.

Definition 1 of 1

Pro Tip 1/3

Silverfish are considered pests, so the word often implies destruction or nuisance.

We'll need pest control to deal with the silverfish problem before they ruin more items.

Pro Tip 2/3

Silverfish thrive in humidity, so they're commonly discussed in relation to damp environments.

After the flood, we noticed a significant increase in silverfish in our home.

Pro Tip 3/3

Mention of silverfish often indicates a household issue, especially relating to old or poorly-stored items.

My antique collection has silverfish damage; I should have stored it more carefully.

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