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Lepisma

(Science: zoology) 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.

Synonym: shiner, silver witch, silver moth, and furniture bug.

Origin: NL, fr. Gr. Peel, fr, a scale.