San Jose scale
noun
San Jo·se scale
ˌsa-nə-ˈzā- 
ˌsan-(h)ō-
: 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
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
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'San Jose scale.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
San Jose, California
First Known Use
1887, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near San Jose scale
Cite this Entry
“San Jose scale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/San%20Jose%20scale. Accessed 21 Sep. 2023.
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Kids 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
More from Merriam-Webster on San Jose scale
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about San Jose scale
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