Wireworm: meaning, definitions and examples

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wireworm

 

[ ˈwaɪərˌwɜːrm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

insect pest

A wireworm is the larval stage of click beetles, primarily affecting crops by boring into roots and tubers. They are long, slender, and typically brownish-yellow, resembling small wires. Their presence can lead to significant damage in agricultural fields.

Synonyms

click beetle larva, larva, soil pest.

Examples of usage

  • Farmers are concerned about wireworm infestations in their potato crops.
  • Wireworms can survive in the soil for several years before the adult beetles emerge.
  • Effective pest management strategies are essential to control wireworm populations.

Translations

Translations of the word "wireworm" in other languages:

🇵🇹 verme do fio

🇮🇳 तार कृमि

🇩🇪 Drahtwurm

🇮🇩 cacing kawat

🇺🇦 проволочний черв'як

🇵🇱 dżdżownica druciana

🇯🇵 ワイヤーワーム

🇫🇷 ver fil

🇪🇸 gusano de alambre

🇹🇷 tel solucanı

🇰🇷 와이어 벌레

🇸🇦 ديدان السلك

🇨🇿 drátenka

🇸🇰 drôtový červ

🇨🇳 电线虫

🇸🇮 žičnati črv

🇮🇸 vír tengja

🇰🇿 сым темірі

🇬🇪 ხის ჭიები

🇦🇿 tel qurd

🇲🇽 gusano de alambre

Etymology

The term 'wireworm' dates back to the early 19th century, originating from the combination of 'wire' and 'worm'. 'Wire' refers to the long, slender appearance of the larvae, which can resemble wires in their shape and movement. 'Worm' is a generic term used in English to describe various elongated, soft-bodied invertebrates. The fascination with these larvae grew as agricultural practices evolved, revealing their impact on crop health. As farming expanded, so did the understanding of wireworms as pests, leading to advances in pest control and management strategies.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,216, 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.