sil·ver·fish / ˈsilvərˌfish/ • n. (pl. same or -fishes) 1. a chiefly nocturnal silvery bristletail (Lepisma saccharina, family Lepismatidae) that frequents houses and other buildings, feeding on starchy materials. 2. a silver-colored fish, esp. a goldfish of an unpigmented variety.

silverfish (subclass Apterygota, order Thysanura) Common name for members of the family Lepismatidae; it is sometimes used to denote any member of the Thysanura.

silverfish (bristletail) Primitive, grey, wingless insect found throughout the world. It lives in cool, damp places, feeding on starchy materials such as food scraps and paper. It gets its name from the silvery scales that cover its body. Length: 13mm (0.5in). Family Lepismatidae; species Lepisma saccharina.