GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found 3 definitions

1.       
   ‖Lepisma (lḗ‑pĭzˈmȧ), n. [NL., fr. Gr. λέπισμα peel, fr. λεπίς -ίδος, a scale.] (Zool.) 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; it feeds on starch and eats sized paper and starched clothes. Called also shiner, silverfish, silver witch, silver moth, and furniture bug.
   
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2.       
   Silverfish (?), n.
   1. (Zool.) (a) The tarpum. (b) A white variety of the goldfish.
   
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   2. one of a variety of insects of the order Thysanura, especially Lepisma saccharina, which may infest houses, and eats starched clothing and sized papers.  See Lepisma.
   
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3.       
   Tarpum (?), n. (Zool.) A very large marine fish (Megapolis Atlanticus) of the Southern United States and the West Indies. It often becomes six or more feet in length, and has large silvery scales. The scales are a staple article of trade, and are used in fancywork. Called also tarpon, sabalo, savanilla, silverfish, and jewfish.
   
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