phylloxera

phylloxera Definition

phyl·lox·e·ra (fi läks′ə rə; fil′äk sir′ə)

noun pl. -·rae′-ə rē′; -sir′ē′ or -·ras

any of a family (Phylloxeridae) of homopteran insects that attack the leaves and roots of certain plants, including grapevines

Etymology: ModL < Gr phyllon, a leaf + xēros, dry: see bloom & serene

phylloxera Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

outbreak: They are almost certainly wines made before the phylloxera outbreak changed vine-growing in Europe for ever.

Browse dictionary entries near phylloxera