San Jose scale

[ san hoh-zey skeyl ]

noun

1. a scale insect, Aspidiotus perniciosus, that is highly destructive to fruit trees and shrubs throughout the U.S.

San Jose scale

noun

1. a small E Asian homopterous insect, Quadraspidiotus perniciosus, introduced into the US and other countries, where it has become a serious pest of fruit trees: family Diaspididae

Word History and Origins

Origin of San Jose scale¹

1885–90, Americanism; named after San Jose, California, where first found

Word History and Origins

Origin of San Jose scale¹

C20: from its first being seen in the United States at San Jose, California

Example Sentences

Never allow new trees to be brought into your orchard until you feel certain that they are free from the San Jose scale.

From Project Gutenberg