Pests Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pests

[pษ›sts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in agriculture

Pests are destructive insects or other animals that attack crops, food, livestock, etc. causing damage and reducing yields. They are a major concern for farmers worldwide.

Synonyms

bugs, insects, vermin.

Examples of usage

  • Pesticides are often used to control pests in agriculture.
  • The farmers are struggling to protect their crops from pests.
Context #2 | Noun

in general

Pests can also refer to annoying or harmful people or things that cause trouble or irritation.

Synonyms

annoyance, bother, nuisance.

Examples of usage

  • The noisy neighbors are real pests.
  • Her constant complaints are becoming a real pest.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Agriculture

  • In farming, pests can damage crops, leading to significant economic losses each year worldwide.
  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a modern approach that combines different strategies to manage pest populations effectively.

Health Risks

  • Some pests, like mosquitoes, are known to spread diseases like malaria and dengue fever, impacting public health.
  • Rodents can carry pathogens that contaminate food and surfaces, which can lead to health issues.

Ecology

  • Pests can disrupt local ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources, demonstrating the interconnectedness of nature.
  • Certain pests serve as food for larger animals, highlighting their role in maintaining ecological balance.

Pop Culture

  • Pests have been featured in numerous films and literature, often portrayed humorously or as antagonists, like in 'A Bug's Life.'
  • In video games, pests often represent challenges that players must overcome, like defeating invasive species in garden simulations.

Origin of 'pests'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'pest' originates from the Latin 'pestis,' meaning plague or destruction, indicating its harmful nature.
  • In older English, 'pest' sometimes referred to a nuisance or trouble, connecting the word's roots to annoyance.

The word 'pests' originated from the Latin word 'pesta', meaning plague or pestilence. Over time, it evolved to refer to destructive animals or insects. The concept of pests has been a concern for agriculture since ancient times, as they pose a threat to food production and livelihoods.


See also: pest, pester, pesticide.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,815 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.