corn rootworm

noun

: any of several chrysomelid beetles (genus Diabrotica) whose root-eating larvae are pests especially of corn

Example Sentences

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 See More

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of corn rootworm was in 1892

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Corn rootworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corn%20rootworm. Accessed 30 Mar. 2023.

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