Definition of 'deathwatch beetle'

deathwatch beetle in British

a beetle, Xestobium rufovillosum, whose woodboring larvae are a serious pest. The adult produces a rapid tapping sound with its head that was once popularly supposed to presage death

deathwatch beetle in British

(ˈdɛθˌwɒtʃ ˈbiːtəl)

noun

a beetle, Xestobium rufovillosum, whose woodboring larvae are a serious pest The adult produces a rapid tapping sound with its head that was once popularly supposed to presage death

Example sentences containing 'deathwatch beetle'

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`Sinking oh so beautifully under the weight of debts and tax and deathwatch beetle and dangerous wiring and inadequate heating. Melville, Anne THE HARDIE INHERITANCE

Word Lists

beetle

Nearby words of 'deathwatch beetle'

Source

Definition of deathwatch beetle from the Collins English Dictionary

Modal verbs

Modal verbs are a particular kind of auxiliary. Look, I can do it!– Oh yes! So you can. Can I use your phone?– Of course you can. Do you think she will come?– I’m sure she will. I must ...