xylophagous

[ zahy-lof-uh-guhs ]

adjective

1. feeding on wood, as certain insects or insect larvae.
2. perforating or destroying timber, as certain mollusks, crustaceans, and fungi.

xylophagous

/ zaɪˈlɒfəɡəs /

adjective

1. (of certain insects, crustaceans, etc) feeding on or living within wood

Word History and Origins

Origin of xylophagous¹

From the Greek word xylophágos, dating back to 1835–45. See xylo-, -phagous