wood louse

noun

, Zoology.

1. any of certain small, terrestrial crustaceans of the genera Oniscus, Armadillidium, etc., having a flattened, elliptical body.

Word History and Origins

Origin of wood louse¹

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

The marine isopod Idotea entomon, related to the common wood-louse, has a similar distribution.

From Project Gutenberg

Animals resembling a wood-louse were also in the sea, swimming and running about the floating shells and barnacles.

From Project Gutenberg

Nobody that would not stoop to save a wood-louse in his path can claim to love.

From Project Gutenberg

The following is taken from his description: The caterpillar is shaped like a wood-louse, hairy, and pale green.

From Project Gutenberg

Onisciform: shaped like a wood-louse, Oniscus sp.; applied to certain Lycaenid and other caterpillars.

From Project Gutenberg