xylophagous

[ zahy-lof-uh-guh s ]
/ zaɪˈlɒf ə gəs /

adjective

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

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Origin of xylophagous

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

Words nearby xylophagous

xylograph, xylography, xyloid, xylol, xylophage, xylophagous, xylophilous, xylophone, xylorimba, xylose, xylostroma
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for xylophagous

xylophagous
/ (zaɪˈlɒfəɡəs) /

adjective

(of certain insects, crustaceans, etc) feeding on or living within wood
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012