Earwig: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฆ
earwig
[ หษชrหwษชg ]
insect type
An earwig is a type of insect belonging to the order Dermaptera. They are characterized by their elongated bodies and distinctive pincers (cerci) at the end of their abdomen. Often found in damp environments, earwigs are typically nocturnal, seeking shelter during the day. Despite common myths, they do not enter human ears; rather, they prefer to hide in crevices and under debris. Earwigs primarily feed on decaying plant matter and can sometimes be found in gardens, where they can be beneficial by consuming pests.
Synonyms
earwig insect, pincer bug, pincher bug.
Examples of usage
- I found an earwig hiding under a rock in my garden.
- Earwigs are known to be attracted to damp places.
- We spotted an earwig crawling across the patio last night.
Translations
Translations of the word "earwig" in other languages:
๐ต๐น tatuรญ
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคพเคจ เคเคพ เคเฅเคกเคผเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Ohrwurm
๐ฎ๐ฉ lipan telinga
๐บ๐ฆ ะฒััะฐั
๐ต๐ฑ uchacz
๐ฏ๐ต ใใใบใฏ
๐ซ๐ท perce-oreille
๐ช๐ธ tijera
๐น๐ท kulak bรถceฤi
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ท๋๋ผ๋ฏธ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุณู ูุฉ ุงูุฃุฐู
๐จ๐ฟ svฤtlonoลก
๐ธ๐ฐ ucho
๐จ๐ณ ่ณ่ซ
๐ธ๐ฎ uลกni ฤrv
๐ฎ๐ธ eyrnammi
๐ฐ๐ฟ าาฑะปะฐา าาฑัั
๐ฌ๐ช แงแฃแ แแก แญแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ qulaq bรถcษyi
๐ฒ๐ฝ insecto de oรญdos
Etymology
The term 'earwig' dates back to the Old English word 'ฤarewicga', which literally means 'ear insect' or 'ear creature'. This name likely arose from ancient myths and folklore that suggested these insects could crawl into people's ears while they slept. The origin of 'ฤare' comes from 'ear', while 'wicga' is derived from the Germanic word for insect or bug. Earwigs are part of a diverse group of insects and have existed for millions of years, with fossil records indicating their presence even before the age of dinosaurs. Historically, earwigs have been surrounded by various superstitions, including beliefs that they could lay eggs in human ears, contributing to their infamous reputation. However, scientific studies have debunked these myths, revealing that earwigs do not pose any threat to humans.