How Do You Spell WOODLOUSE?

Pronunciation: [wˈʊdla͡ʊs] (IPA)

The word "woodlouse" is spelled with a combination of sounds in the English language. It is pronounced as /ˈwʊd.laʊs/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "w" sound is followed by the "oo" sound, represented by "oo". Then, the "d" sound is combined with the "l" sound, which is spelled with an "l". Finally, the "ow" sound is spelled using the combination of "ou" and "s" represents the "s" sound at the end. Woodlouse is a small insect-like creature that is commonly found in damp environments, such as under logs and in basements.

WOODLOUSE Meaning and Definition

1. A woodlouse, also commonly known as a sowbug or pillbug, is a small arthropod belonging to the crustacean group Isopoda. It is characterized by its segmented body, with a rigid exoskeleton and a slightly convex shape, resembling a miniature armadillo.

   Woodlice are typically found in damp and dark environments, such as under logs, rocks, or leaf litter. They are primarily scavengers, feeding on decaying plant matter, fungi, and sometimes even dead insects. Despite their name, woodlice are not lice and do not infest or harm humans or animals.

   These creatures have a distinctive ability to roll themselves into a tight ball when threatened, which helps to protect their soft undersides. This behavior has given rise to their alternative common name - pillbug, owing to their resemblance to tiny pills.

   Woodlice play an ecologically important role in breaking down dead organic matter as they contribute to nutrient recycling and soil formation. They are also a valuable food source for other animals, serving as prey for spiders, birds, toads, and some insects. Woodlice have a lifespan of about two to three years and undergo a process of molting to grow. During molting, they shed their old exoskeleton and form a soft new one underneath, which later hardens as it gets exposed to air.

   Overall, woodlice are fascinating detritivores that contribute significantly to the natural decomposition processes and serve as an essential link in various ecosystems.

2. A flattish insect of a slate-colour, having many feet, inhabiting cellars, gardens, old walls, and moist places; the familiar name of a small white insect found in decaying wood; also called a wood-nite.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for WOODLOUSE

• woodehouse
• woodlouses
• qoodlouse
• aoodlouse
• soodlouse
• eoodlouse
• 3oodlouse
• 2oodlouse
• wiodlouse
• wkodlouse
• wlodlouse
• wpodlouse
• w0odlouse
• bookelouse
• woodlarke
• woodloose
• Woodlokke
• Woodroove
• Toodlose

Etymology of WOODLOUSE

The word "woodlouse" is derived from the Old English words "wudu" meaning "wood" and "lus" meaning "insect". In Old English, "wudu" referred to trees, forests, or wooded areas, while "lus" denoted an insect or small creature. Over time, these terms were compounded to create "wudulus" or "woodlouse", which referred to an insect often found in damp areas and underneath logs or in decaying wood.

Plural form of WOODLOUSE is WOODLICE