emerald ash borer

noun

: a metallic-green Asian beetle (Agrilus planipennis) accidentally introduced into the U.S. and having a destructive larva that bores into the wood of ash trees

Examples of emerald ash borer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Oregon Department of Forestry said the iridescent green emerald ash borer is considered the most destructive forest pest in North America and had been detected in 34 other states before it was discovered in Forest Grove on June 30, KOIN-TV reports. From Usa Today Network and Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 13 July 2022 If there is just one type of tree, urban forests are vulnerable to species-specific pests and diseases, such as the emerald ash borer. Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 18 Aug. 2023 Many thousands of ash trees in Wisconsin are dead or dying from emerald ash borer infestation and may unexpectedly snap or drop large branches. Paul A. Smith, Journal Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2023 Detroit lost much of its canopy between the 1950s and 1990s to Dutch elm disease and an invasive beetle called the emerald ash borer. Kate Wheeling, Discover Magazine, 12 Apr. 2023 The emerald ash borer is not a here-today-gone-tomorrow problem. Dallas News, 16 June 2022 State parks also have firewood policies to protect the areas from destructive invasive species such as the emerald ash borer and spotted lantern fly. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 1 June 2023 Scientist said that pests and invasive plants, like the emerald ash borer and hemlock woolly adelgid, contributed to forest loss in the regions as well. Gina Martinez, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2023 Oregon experts discovered the invasive emerald ash borer in Forest Grove in late June. The Oregonian/oregonlive, oregonlive, 9 Aug. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'emerald ash borer.' 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

2002, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of emerald ash borer was in 2002

Dictionary Entries Near emerald ash borer

Cite this Entry

“Emerald ash borer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emerald%20ash%20borer. Accessed 30 Sep. 2023.

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