San Jose scale
noun
San Jo·se scale
ˌsan-(h)ō-ˈzā- 
ˌsa-nə-ˈzā-
: a scale insect (Quadraspidiotus perniciosus) probably of Asian origin that is naturalized in the U.S. and is destructive to fruit trees
Examples of San Jose scale in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When numerous, armored scale (the group to which San Jose scale belongs) will potentially cause plant stunting or dieback.
—
Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2023
Farmers searched for pesticides that could stop the San Jose scale.
—Carl Zimmer, Discover Magazine, 4 May 2010
After a few weeks of spraying, the San Jose scale would disappear.
—Carl Zimmer, Discover Magazine, 4 May 2010
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2023
Farmers searched for pesticides that could stop the San Jose scale.
—Carl Zimmer, Discover Magazine, 4 May 2010
After a few weeks of spraying, the San Jose scale would disappear.
—Carl Zimmer, Discover Magazine, 4 May 2010
Cite this Entry
“San Jose scale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/San%20Jose%20scale. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
San Jose scale
noun
San Jo·se scale
ˌsan-ə-ˌzā-
: a scale insect introduced into North America from Asia that is very destructive to fruit trees
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share