‖ oˈniscus Zool.
[L., a. Gr. ὄνισκος little ass, wood-louse, dim. of ὄνος ass: used in Zool. as a generic name.]
A genus of terrestrial Isopod Crustacea, the type of the family Oniscidæ. The species are commonly known as wood-lice or slaters.
| 1848 S. Maunder Nat. Hist. 460 The terrestrial oniscus frequents dark and concealed places, such as cellars, caves, holes in walls [etc.]. |