curculio

[ kur-kyoo-lee-oh ]

noun

, plural cur·cu·li·os.

1. any of several weevils, especially one of the genus Conotrachelus, as C. nenuphar plum curculio, which feeds on plums, cherries, and other fruits.

curculio

/ kɜːˈkjuːlɪˌəʊ /

noun

1. any of various American weevils, esp Conotrachelus nenuphar ( plum curculio ), a pest of fruit trees

Word History and Origins

Origin of curculio¹

1750–60; < Latin: weevil, corn worm

Word History and Origins

Origin of curculio¹

C18: from Latin: grain weevil

Example Sentences

It is usually productive wherever peaches flourish, if not destroyed by the curculio.

From Project Gutenberg

Two of the best of these are the 'Curculio' and the 'Epidicus.'

From Project Gutenberg

The "curculio" alone destroys millions of dollars' worth of fruit annually.

From Project Gutenberg

But how many a man who fights the curculio with all his fortune is himself stung all over by selfishness and pride!

From Project Gutenberg

I have been unable to find any sign of curculio injury this year, although I have seen it nearby on some native butternut trees.

From Project Gutenberg