Le*pis"ma (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. peel, fr. , , 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. Called also shiner, silver witch, silver moth, and furniture bug.
<-- also called silverfish. Eats sized paper and starched clothes -->
© Webster 1913.