one of a variety of insects of the order Thysanura, especially Lepisma saccharina, which may infest houses, and eats starched clothing and sized papers. See Lepisma. [PJC]
silverfish, n. (pl. same or -fishes)
1 any small silvery wingless insect of the order Thysanura, esp. Lepisma saccharina in houses and other buildings.
2 a silver-coloured fish, esp. a colourless variety of goldfish.