While it looks like a complicated word, the definition of “xylophagus” is quite simple: It comes from Greek parts, with “xyl-” meaning “wood” and “-phagous” meaning “eating.” A xylophagus creature is one that eats wood. The most common are the termite and wood beetle, but there are also xylophagous crustaceans and mollusks. Termites and other xylophagous insects are known for causing damage to houses and other structures made of wood.