phylloxera

[ fil-uhk-seer-uh, fi-lok-ser-uh ]

noun,plural phyl·lox·e·rae

[fil-uhk-seer-ee, fi-lok-suh-ree], /ˌfɪl əkˈsɪər i, fɪˈlɒk səˌri/, phyl·lox·e·ras.

any of several plant lice of the genus Phylloxera, especially P. vitifoliae(grape phylloxera ), which attacks the leaves and roots of grapevines.

Origin of phylloxera

1865–70; <New Latin (1834) <Greek phyllo-phyllo- + xērá, feminine of xērós dry; so named in reference to the dessication of leaves caused by some species

Words Nearby phylloxera

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use phylloxera in a sentence

Along the way, she saw Napa survive the phylloxera crisis of the 1990s, when entire vineyards had to be replanted because of an insect infestation.
Threatened by climate change, a California winemaker switches to carbon farming and hopes more vineyards join | Dave McIntyre | October 8, 2021 | Washington Post
phylloxera struck in the late 19th century, and in the 20th century, Soviet winemaking mandates encouraged quantity above quality.
The Rebirth of Seriously Good Georgian Wines | Jordan Salcito | February 15, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
The original vines on the estate perished in the late 19th century from oidium and phylloxera, and Klein Constantia shut down.
Drink Like Nelson Mandela: South Africa’s Exciting New Wine | Jordan Salcito | December 14, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
It is said to be the most effectual preventive of black rot, and to destroy the phylloxera, the two worst enemies of the grape.
Appletons' Popular Science Monthly, July 1899 | Various
The phylloxera pest, which has wrought such havoc among vineyards throughout Europe, has invaded California also.
Buchanan's Journal of Man, January 1888 | Various

The roots are strong, thick and very resistant to phylloxera.
The Grapes of New York | U. P. Hedrick
Like those of Riparia, the roots are slender, hard, and resistant to the phylloxera.
The Grapes of New York | U. P. Hedrick
Riparia is very resistant to phylloxera, the roots are small in size, hard and numerous and branch freely.
The Grapes of New York | U. P. Hedrick

British Dictionary definitions for phylloxera

phylloxera

/ (ˌfɪlɒkˈsɪərə, fɪˈlɒksərə) /

nounplural -rae (-riː) or -ras

any homopterous insect of the genus Phylloxera, such as P. vitifolia (or Viteus vitifolii) (vine phylloxera), typically feeding on plant juices, esp of vines: family Phylloxeridae

Origin of phylloxera

C19: from New Latin phyllo- + Greek xēros dry

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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