jointworm

[ joint-wurm ]

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.

jointworm

/ ˈdʒɔɪntˌwɜːm /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of jointworm¹

First recorded in 1700–10; joint + worm