Mealybug: meaning, definitions and examples

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mealybug

 

[ หˆmiหliหŒbสŒg ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

plant pest

A mealybug is a small, soft-bodied insect that belongs to the family Pseudococcidae. They are typically covered in a white, powdery substance that gives them a fuzzy appearance. Mealybugs are commonly found on the leaves and stems of plants, where they feed on plant sap. This feeding can cause significant damage to plants, leading to yellowing leaves and stunted growth. They are often found in warm, humid environments and can multiply rapidly if not controlled.

Synonyms

Pseudococcus, plant louse, scale insect

Examples of usage

  • The mealybug infestation on my plant is getting worse.
  • I noticed mealybugs crawling on the stems of my flowers.
  • Mealybugs can be treated with insecticidal soap.
  • She removed the mealybugs manually from the houseplants.
  • Mealybug eggs often hatch into nymphs that spread quickly.

Translations

Translations of the word "mealybug" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น cochonilha

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเฅ€เคฒเคฌเค—

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Woll- oder Mealybug

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kutu putih

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะฐะฒัƒั‚ะธะฝะฝะธะน ะบะปั–ั‰

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ mszyca weล‚nista

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ณใƒŠใ‚ซใ‚คใ‚ฌใƒฉใƒ ใ‚ท

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท cochenille

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ cochinilla

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท pamuk bรถceฤŸi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฐ€๊ฐ€๋ฃจ์ข€๋ฒŒ๋ ˆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุญุดุฑุฉ ุงู„ู‚ุทู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ molice

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ mรบฤnatka

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ฒ‰่™ฑ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ mleฤna uลก

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ mjรถlbuga

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ าฑะฝ ะถำ™ะฝะดั–ะณั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒ˜แƒšแƒ‘แƒแƒ’แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ un bรถcษ™yi

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ cochinilla

Word origin

The term 'mealybug' originates from the transition of the word 'mealy' which is derived from the Old English 'mel' meaning 'meal' or 'flour'. The term 'bug' comes from Middle English 'bugge', meaning 'a terrifying creature', which has been applied broadly to insects. Recognized in entomology since the early 19th century, mealybugs were studied extensively due to their agricultural impact. They became particularly relevant in pest control discussions as they are notorious for damaging crops and ornamental plants. Over time, the scientific classification of mealybugs has evolved, leading to advancements in pest management. The increased awareness of their biology has also contributed to organic practices that focus on natural predation methods to control their populations effectively.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,604, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.