aphid

[ ey-fid, af-id ]

noun

1. any of numerous tiny soft-bodied insects of the family Aphididae of worldwide distribution, that suck the sap from the stems and leaves of various plants, some developing wings when overcrowding occurs: an important pest of many fruit trees and vegetable crops.

aphid

/ əˈfɪdɪən; ˈeɪfɪd /

noun

1. See blackfly, greenfly
   any of the small homopterous insects of the family Aphididae, which feed by sucking the juices from plants Also calledplant louse See also greenfly blackfly

Derived Forms

• aphidian, adjectivenoun
• aˈphidious, adjective

Other Words From

• a·phid·i·an [uh, -, fid, -ee-, uh, n], adjective noun
• a·phidi·ous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of aphid¹

First recorded in 1880–85; back formation from aphides, plural of aphis

Word History and Origins

Origin of aphid¹

C19: back formation from aphides, plural of aphis

Example Sentences

Adelgids are more closely related to aphids, and adults feed on the base of hemlock needles, slowly sapping the tree of nutrients.

From Popular-Science

When a mite or aphid munches on the plant, the volatile may be released to attract insects that will eat the mites or aphids.

From Science News

The aphis-lions crawling over the plants come across the little aphid.

From Project Gutenberg

And then the ant went to another aphid, and did the same thing.

From Project Gutenberg

The reproduction of the Aphid constitutes one of the most interesting chapters in the history of the animal kingdom.

From Project Gutenberg

Almost instantly, it seemed, the mild-eyed aphid was a shrunken empty sack.

From Project Gutenberg

The heterogamy of the allied Coccid is practically the same as that of the Aphid.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• ant
• bee
• beetle
• butterfly
• cockroach
• dragonfly
• flea
• fruit fly
• gnat
• grasshopper
• ladybug
• mite
• mosquito
• moth
• pest
• spider
• termite
• tick