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Locust Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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locust

lo-cust

🇺🇸 /ˈɫoʊkəst/ · 🇬🇧 /lˈəʊkʌst/

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

insect type

A locust is a type of short-horned grasshopper that often swarms in large numbers, causing widespread agricultural damage. These insects are known for their ability to change behavior and form swarms when conditions are favorable, leading to significant ecological and economic impacts.

Synonyms

grasshopper, hemipteran.

Examples of usage

  • The locust swarm devastated the farmers' crops.
  • During the summer, locusts can be seen flying across the fields.
  • Scientists study locust behavior to understand their swarming patterns.
Context #2 | Noun

biblical reference

In a historical and biblical context, locusts are often seen as plagues or signs of divine punishment. They are associated with the Book of Exodus, where locusts were sent to Egypt as one of the ten plagues.

Synonyms

plague, swarmer.

Examples of usage

  • The locusts were one of the plagues described in Exodus.
  • The prophet warned of a locust invasion as a sign of trouble.

Translations

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Quick facts about “locust”

Locust is a 2-syllable noun (lo-cust). It is pronounced /ˈɫoʊkəst/ in American English and /lˈəʊkʌst/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 4 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #17,392 among the most common English words.

Origin of 'locust'

The word 'locust' comes from the Latin word 'locusta' which means 'grasshopper'. This term has been used throughout history to describe certain species of grasshoppers that can swarm and cause significant agricultural damage. The association of locusts with famine and destruction is deep-rooted in various cultures, notably in biblical texts. In ancient times, locust swarms were seen as divine omens and calamities. As agricultural societies developed, the threat posed by locusts became a significant concern, leading to extensive documentation and studies aimed at controlling their populations. Over time, the understanding of locust behavior, especially their swarming and gregarious (social) tendencies, has evolved, providing insights into pest management strategies.

Rhymes

Locust rhymes with focused, focussed, unfocused and refocused.

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Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,392, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.