corn earworm

[ kawrn-eer-wurm ]

noun
  1. the larva of either of the noctuid moths Helicoverpa zea or H. armigera, both of which are widely distributed and highly destructive to crops, especially corn, cotton, and tomato.

Origin of corn earworm

1
An Americanism first recorded in 1795–1805

Words Nearby corn earworm

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

British Dictionary definitions for corn earworm

corn earworm

noun
  1. US the larva of the noctuid moth Heliothis armigera, which feeds on maize and many other crop plants: See also bollworm

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