destructor

American  

[dih-struhk-ter] / dɪˈstrʌk tər /

noun

1. British. a furnace for the burning of refuse; incinerator.

2. Rocketry. a destruct mechanism or device for destroying an off-course airborne missile or launch vehicle.

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destructor British  

/ dɪˈstrʌktə /

noun

1. a furnace or incinerator for the disposal of refuse, esp one that uses the resulting heat to generate power

2. a device used to blow up a dangerously defective missile or rocket after launching

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Etymology

Origin of destructor

1685–95; < Late Latin dēstructor, equivalent to Latin dēstruc- variant stem of dēstruere ( destruction ) + -tor -tor

Example Sentences

Two of the biggest disease threats for honey bees, according to the researchers, are DWV and the tiny parasite that spreads it: the Varroa destructor mite.

From Science Daily • Nov. 14, 2023

The European honeybee is also being badly affected by a parasitic mite called varroa destructor.

From BBC • Sep. 24, 2023

The parasitic mite Varroa destructor that helps transmit viruses is the chief culprit, but bad weather and queen issues were also big problems in the past year, Steinhauer said.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 22, 2023

One of the most severe threats to honey bees over the past several decades has been Varroa destructor, a crablike parasitic mite that feeds on honey bees' fat body tissue.

From Salon • Nov. 12, 2022

Through defects in the design and management of many of the early destructors complaints of nuisance frequently arose, and these have, to some extent, brought destructor installations into disrepute.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 3 "Destructors" to "Diameter" by Various