jointworm

American  

[joint-wurm] / ˈdʒɔɪntˌwɜrm /

noun

1. the larva of any of several chalcid flies of the family Eurytomidae, especially of the genus Harmolita, that feeds within the stems of grasses, often causing a gall near the first joint.

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jointworm British  

/ ˈdʒɔɪntˌwɜːm /

noun

1. the larva of chalcid flies of the genus Harmolita, esp H. tritici, which form galls on the stems of cereal plants

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Etymology

Origin of jointworm

First recorded in 1700–10; joint + worm