deathwatch beetle meaning

UK US /ˈdɛθwɑtʃ ˈbitəl/ 4 syllables

deathwatch beetle (noun): bores through wood making a ticking sound popularly thought to presage death.

Definition of deathwatch beetle

  1. bores through wood making a ticking sound popularly thought to presage death

    Synonyms: deathwatch, Xestobium rufovillosum

    Type of: beetle

How to pronounce deathwatch beetle

deathwatch beetle is pronounced /ˈdɛθwɑtʃ ˈbitəl/ in American English. It has 4 syllables.

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