wood louse

American  

noun

Zoology.

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

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Etymology

Origin of wood louse

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

Of the crustacean borers, Limnoria, or the "wood louse," is the only one of great importance, although Sphoeroma is reported destructive in places.

From The Mechanical Properties of Wood Including a Discussion of the Factors Affecting the Mechanical Properties, and Methods of Timber Testing by Record, Samuel J.