cockroach

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

cockroach
    n 1: any of numerous chiefly nocturnal insects; some are
         domestic pests [syn: {cockroach}, {roach}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Cockroach \Cock"roach\, n. [Sp. cucaracha.] (Zool.)
   An orthopterous insect of the genus {Blatta}, and allied
   genera.
   [1913 Webster]

   Note: 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 +PJC]