phylloxera

[ fil-uh k-seer-uh, fi-lok-ser-uh ]
/ ˌfɪl əkˈsɪər ə, fɪˈlɒk sər ə /

noun, plural phyl·lox·e·rae [fil-uh k-seer-ee, fi-lok-suh-ree] /ˌfɪl əkˈsɪər i, fɪˈlɒk səˌri/, phyl·lox·e·ras.

any of several plant lice of the genus Phylloxera, especially P. vitifoliae (grape phylloxera), which attacks the leaves and roots of grapevines.

Origin of phylloxera

1865–70; < New Latin (1834) < Greek phyllo- phyllo- + xērá, feminine of xērós dry; so named in reference to the dessication of leaves caused by some species

Words nearby phylloxera

phylloquinone, phyllosilicate, phyllosphere, phyllotaxis, phyllotaxy, phylloxera, phylo-, phylogenesis, phylogenetic, phylogenetic classification, phylogenetics

Example sentences from the Web for phylloxera

British Dictionary definitions for phylloxera

phylloxera
/ (ˌfɪlɒkˈsɪərə, fɪˈlɒksərə) /

noun plural -rae (-riː) or -ras

any homopterous insect of the genus Phylloxera, such as P. vitifolia (or Viteus vitifolii) (vine phylloxera), typically feeding on plant juices, esp of vines: family Phylloxeridae

Word Origin for phylloxera

C19: from New Latin phyllo- + Greek xēros dry