cockroach

/'kɔkroutʃ/

Thân thiện

A cockroach scurries across the kitchen floor.

Definition

Noun: 1. A type of insect: A cockroach is a common insect, typically with a flattened oval body, long antennae, and a shiny brown or black coloration. Many species are primarily active at night (nocturnal). 2. A domestic pest: Certain species of cockroaches are considered pests because they infest human dwellings, contaminating food and potentially spreading disease.

Usage

The word "cockroach" is a countable noun. It refers to the insect itself. It is often used in contexts related to infestation, disgust, or resilience. - Singular: a cockroach, the cockroach - Plural: cockroaches

Examples

• General Reference:
  • I saw a large cockroach scurrying across the kitchen floor.
  • The apartment building has a problem with cockroaches.
• Scientific/Descriptive Context:
  • The cockroach is one of the oldest living insects on the planet.
  • Some species of cockroach can survive for weeks without food.

Advanced Usage

• Metaphorical Use: The word can be used metaphorically to describe a person or thing considered repulsive, tenacious, or difficult to eliminate.
  • The corrupt official was described as a political cockroach, surviving every scandal.
• In Idioms/Set Phrases: While not a common idiom itself, the concept appears in phrases about resilience.
  • "Survive like a cockroach" implies an ability to endure extremely harsh conditions.

Variants and Related Words

• Roach (noun): A common informal shortening of "cockroach."
  • We need to set out traps for the roaches.
• Cockroachy (adjective, informal): Resembling or characteristic of a cockroach.
  • The old basement had a damp, cockroachy smell.

Synonyms

• Roach (informal)
• Insect pest
• Blattid (technical, from the scientific order )

Antonyms

There is no direct antonym for a specific insect. In a contextual sense, opposites might include: - Beneficial insect (e.g., ladybug, bee) - Clean animal/pet (e.g., cat, dog) when contrasting with pest status.

Phrases and Collocations

• Cockroach infestation: A situation where a place is overrun with cockroaches.
  • The restaurant was shut down due to a severe cockroach infestation.
• Cockroach trap/killer: Products designed to catch or eliminate cockroaches.
  • She bought cockroach traps to place under the sink.
• As resilient/tough as a cockroach: A simile emphasizing extreme durability.
  • The old car was as tough as a cockroach, still running after 300,000 miles.

Học thuật

Noun

1. any of numerous chiefly nocturnal insects; some are domestic pests

Từ đồng nghĩa

• roach