Definition of weevil in English:
weevil
noun ˈwiːvɪlˈwiːv(ə)lˈwivəl
1A small beetle with an elongated snout, the larvae of which typically develop inside seeds, stems, or other plant parts. Many are pests of crops or stored foodstuffs.
Curculionidae and other families in the superfamily Curculionoidea: numerous genera
Example sentencesExamples
- Fisher believes this new device will revolutionize detection of root-feeding pests like the weevil.
- Although they are more usually a problem with plants grown in pots, vine weevils will attack plants growing out in the garden.
- The alfalfa weevil larvae spend nearly all their time on the plant.
- Fungal diseases cause infected larvae to crawl to the tops of the plants where the dead weevils will be easy to see.
- Alfalfa weevils have been serious pests of alfalfa in Nebraska for some time.
- The weevil larvae feed at the base of the flower and interfere with seed production.
- I was surprised when the Royal Horticultural Society named the vine weevil as the worst pest in the garden last year.
- Damage to stored grain by the lesser grain borer, rice weevil, red flour beetle, and rusty grain beetle costs the U.S. wheat industry about $500 million annually.
- The weevil larvae become adults in 17 to 28 days, depending on the weather.
- Hazelnuts are prone to attack from a pest called the nut weevil.
- Researchers at some locations focus on beneficial insects like wasps to control insect pests such as alfalfa weevils or gypsy moths.
- There was apparently no organization tasked with looking at current and potential effects of the weevil on cotton crops throughout the United States.
- This particular species of weevil is a pest on peas.
- Weevils bore through the stem and eat the pith within, and beetle larvae bore through the roots.
- 1.1informal Any small insect that damages stored grain.
Example sentencesExamples
- Why was nothing was done to fumigate the grain and protect it from weevils?
Derivatives
adjective
Sailors accomplished great feats of exploration on little more than limes and weevily biscuits.
Origin
Old English wifel 'beetle', from a Germanic base meaning 'move briskly'.