corn rootworm
noun
: any of several chrysomelid beetles (genus Diabrotica) whose root-eating larvae are pests especially of corn
Examples of corn rootworm in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This ability could explain why the Western corn rootworm has spread throughout the maize-growing regions of the world, while other related beetles have been far more constrained.
—
Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 24 Nov. 2011
But the Western corn rootworm ignores these rules of engagement.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 24 Nov. 2011
The bacterium targets agricultural pests, such as corn rootworm and Colorado potato beetle, but leaves pollinators like bees unharmed.
—Breanna Draxler, Discover Magazine, 11 Dec. 2013
Trapping and studying the corn rootworm has been Verónica Calles Torrez’s route to exploring North Dakota.
—NBC news, 15 Sep. 2021
The western corn rootworm beetle grows to only the length of a grain of rice.
—Tess Joosse, Scientific American, 16 Aug. 2021
Cucumber beetle larvae, also known as corn rootworms, feed on corn roots, causing plants to weaken and collapse.
—The Editors Of Organic Life, Good Housekeeping, 5 Apr. 2016
Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 24 Nov. 2011
But the Western corn rootworm ignores these rules of engagement.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 24 Nov. 2011
The bacterium targets agricultural pests, such as corn rootworm and Colorado potato beetle, but leaves pollinators like bees unharmed.
—Breanna Draxler, Discover Magazine, 11 Dec. 2013
Trapping and studying the corn rootworm has been Verónica Calles Torrez’s route to exploring North Dakota.
—NBC news, 15 Sep. 2021
The western corn rootworm beetle grows to only the length of a grain of rice.
—Tess Joosse, Scientific American, 16 Aug. 2021
Cucumber beetle larvae, also known as corn rootworms, feed on corn roots, causing plants to weaken and collapse.
—The Editors Of Organic Life, Good Housekeeping, 5 Apr. 2016
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'corn rootworm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1892, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near corn rootworm
Cite this Entry
“Corn rootworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corn%20rootworm. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
More from Merriam-Webster on corn rootworm
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about corn rootworm
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share