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Glite Dictionary
Dutch-elm beetle

Dutch-elm beetle

8.6
An insect that spreads a fungus that kills elm trees
  • noun
  • /dʌtʃ ɛlm ˈbiːtəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : escarabajo del olmo holandés
  • The Dutch-elm beetle is known for transmitting a deadly fungus that devastates elm trees.

Examples

  • The Dutch-elm beetle is a major threat to urban elm populations across Europe and North America.

  • If you see a Dutch-elm beetle on your tree, you should report it to local authorities.

  • Scientists are studying ways to control the Dutch-elm beetle to prevent the spread of disease.

  • The Dutch-elm beetle is a significant threat to elm trees.

  • Have you seen any Dutch-elm beetles in your garden?

  • Due to the invasion of the Dutch-elm beetle, many elm trees in our town have died.

  • Local gardeners are concerned about the Dutch-elm beetle damaging their beloved elm trees.

Synonyms

Scolytus multistriatus
vsDutch-elm beetle
  • Specialized
9.9

A small bark beetle that spreads Dutch elm disease

is a general term for beetles that carry the fungus not one species

Surface Forms

Dutch-elm beetle singular
Dutch-elm beetles plural

Morphology

Dutch-elm + beetle

The compound names a beetle related to 'Dutch elm'—a modifier plus 'beetle'—so a learner who knows 'Dutch', 'elm', and 'beetle' can infer it is a beetle associated with Dutch elm trees or the disease that affects them. This noun‑modifier + noun pattern is compositional and common across languages, making the overall meaning directly derivable from the parts.

Etymology

Dutch-elm beetle gets its name from a small beetle that spread a fungus which killed many elm trees first noticed in the Netherlands, so Dutch names the country and elm names the tree. That's why today the name means a beetle that 'spreads the disease' in elm trees.