clothes-moth
Definition
Noun: - A type of moth: "clothes-moth" refers to any of several small moths (especially of the family Tineidae) whose larvae feed on wool, fur, feathers, or other animal-based materials, often damaging clothing, carpets, and upholstery.
Usage Examples
- (A small moth that damages fabric.)
- (The moth that attacks clothing.)
Advanced Usage
"clothes-moth larvae": The destructive stage of the moth that causes damage.
- The clothes-moth larvae are the real culprits, as they eat the keratin in natural fibers. (The immature form of the moth that feeds on fabric.)
"clothes-moth damage": The harm caused by the moth's feeding.
- The antique rug showed extensive clothes-moth damage along the edges. (The destruction of material by the moth's larvae.)
Variants and Related Words
Clothes moth (n): a variant spelling, often used interchangeably.
- She set out cedar blocks to repel clothes moths. (The same type of moth.)
Mothball (n): a small ball of a chemical (like naphthalene) used to repel moths.
- He put mothballs in the storage chest to protect his suits. (A repellent for moths like the clothes-moth.)
Synonyms
- Fabric moth: a moth that damages textiles.
- Wool moth: a moth specifically targeting wool.
Related Idioms
"Moth-eaten": (adj) damaged or worn, as if by moths; often used figuratively.
- The old coat looked moth-eaten and shabby. (Full of holes, as if attacked by clothes-moth larvae.)
"Like a moth to a flame": irresistibly attracted to something (not directly related to clothes-moth, but uses the word "moth").
- He was drawn to the dangerous job like a moth to a flame. (Attracted despite risk.)