Word Study
cockroach
CIDE DICTIONARY
cockroach, n. [Sp. cucaracha.].
An orthopterous insect of the genus Blatta , and allied genera. [1913 Webster]
" The species are numerous, especially in hot countries. Those most commonly infesting houses in Europe and North America are Blatta orientalis , a large species often called black beetle , and the Croton bug (Blatta Germanica , formerly Ectobia Germanica ), also called the German cockroach ." [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
cockroach, n. any of various flat brown insects, esp. Blatta orientalis, infesting kitchens, bathrooms, etc.
Etymology
Sp. cucaracha, assim. to COCK(1), ROACH(1)
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