grape phylloxera
- noun
- /ˈɡreɪp fɪˈlɒksərə/
- Specialized
:
filoxera de la uva
- The destruction of vineyards in Europe was largely caused by grape phylloxera in the 19th century.
Examples
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Many modern grape varieties have been bred to resist grape phylloxera infestations.
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Quarantine measures are vital to prevent the spread of grape phylloxera to new wine-growing regions.
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The grape phylloxera infestation devastated the vineyard last year.
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Farmers are concerned about grape phylloxera affecting their crops.
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Farmers are concerned about grape phylloxera affecting their crops.
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Quarantine measures are vital to prevent the spread of grape phylloxera to new wine-growing regions.
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The destruction of vineyards in Europe was largely caused by grape phylloxera in the 19th century.
Synonyms
A small insect that attacks grapevines by feeding on their roots and leaves
A tiny aphid-like insect that attacks and kills grape plants
A small insect that lives on grape plants and damages them
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly compositional: 'grape' specifies the host/target and 'phylloxera' names the insect, so a learner who knows both constituents will infer it refers to the phylloxera that affect grapevines. Although 'phylloxera' is a technical term, the noun+noun subtype (host + pest) is straightforward and cross-linguistically common, making the compound immediately interpretable.
Etymology
Grape phylloxera names a tiny bug that sucks sap from grape vines; picture many little insects feeding on roots and leaves until the plants become weak or die. So, the term refers to a harmful 'insect' that can destroy grapevines.
