rootworm

American  

[root-wurm, root-] / ˈrutˌwɜrm, ˈrʊt- /

noun

1. the larva of any of several insects, as the cucumber beetle, that feeds on the roots root of plants.

2. any of several nematodes, especially of the genus Heterodera, that puncture and feed in the roots root of plants.

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Etymology

Origin of rootworm

First recorded in 1795–1805; root ¹ + worm

Example Sentences

The western corn rootworm beetle grows to only the length of a grain of rice.

From Scientific American • Sep. 30, 2021

The corn rootworm, the Colorado potato beetle and soybean aphids all thrive best on the crops that give them their names.

From Washington Post • Mar. 2, 2016

This gene, called snf7, is essential for moving proteins around in the rootworm.

From New York Times • Jan. 28, 2014

Scientists design a type of double-stranded RNA that matches part of an essential gene in the western corn rootworm.

From New York Times • Jan. 28, 2014

A single visit from a representative of the Department of Agriculture showed him the cause of the trouble, the corn rootworm, and how it could be eradicated by a simple rotation of crops.

From Community Civics and Rural Life by Dunn, Arthur William