| 释义 |
‖ Dermestes Entom.|dɜːˈmɛstiːz|
[irreg. f. Gr. δέρµα skin, leather + ἐσθίειν to eat.]
A genus of beetles (the type of the family Dermestidæ), the larvæ of which are very destructive to leather and other animal substances. Hence derˈmestid a., belonging to the family Dermestidæ; n. a member of this family; derˈmestoid a., resembling the genus Dermestes; belonging to the Dermestidæ.
1802Bingley Anim. Biog. (1813) III. 111 When touched, these insects counterfeit death; but they do not contract their legs, in the manner of the Dermestes, and some other Beetles. |