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Glite Dictionary
genus Coccus

genus Coccus

9.9
A group of small scale insects that feed on plants
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs ˈkɒkəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Coccus
  • The genus Coccus includes several species of scale insects harmful to plants.

Examples

  • The genus Coccus includes various species of scale insects.

  • Researchers discovered a new species within the genus Coccus in South America.

  • Effective pest control targets members of the genus Coccus to protect crops.

  • Many researchers study the genus Coccus for agricultural purposes.

  • Effective pest control targets members of the genus Coccus to protect crops.

  • Researchers discovered a new species within the genus Coccus in South America.

  • The genus Coccus includes several species of scale insects harmful to plants.

Surface Forms

genus Coccus singular
genera Coccus plural

Morphology

genus + coccus

The phrase is compositionally transparent in that 'genus' signals a taxonomic group and 'Coccus' is a biological name derived from 'coccus' (a round-shaped organism), so a learner who knows both words can infer this is a named biological genus. However, the specific referent (here a genus of scale insects rather than bacteria) and the proper-noun status require specialist knowledge, so the meaning is only partially predictable from the constituents.

Etymology

Genus Coccus comes from two words: genus meaning 'type' or 'group', and Coccus from a word for a small round 'berry'. Because these scale insects look like tiny round bumps or hard shells on plants, the name refers to the group of those round, shell-like insects.