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Glite Dictionary
jointworm

jointworm

9.9
A small baby insect that eats and damages wheat stems and grain
  • noun
  • Archaic
translation icon : gusano del trigo
  • The presence of jointworm can significantly reduce both the quality and yield of harvested grain.

Examples

  • The wheat crop suffered greatly this year due to a sudden infestation of jointworm.

  • Farmers use specific methods to control the spread of jointworm in their fields.

  • The jointworm is a pest that affects wheat crops.

  • Farmers are worried about the jointworm infestation this season.

  • Farmers use specific methods to control the spread of jointworm in their fields.

  • The presence of jointworm can significantly reduce both the quality and yield of harvested grain.

  • The wheat crop suffered greatly this year due to a sudden infestation of jointworm.

Synonyms

strawworm
vsjointworm
  • Specialized
9.9

A young fly that eats and damages straw in wheat and other grain fields

is the same meaning but another common name
Hessian fly
vsjointworm
  • Specialized
9.9

A small fly whose young eat and damage wheat and other cereal crops

is specific to larval damage of straw rather than general crop infestation
Mayetiola destructor
vsjointworm
  • Specialized
9.9

A small fly whose young eat wheat plants and damage crops

is limited to larvae that damage straw rather than all crop pests

Surface Forms

jointworm singular
jointworms plural

Morphology

jointworm = joint + worm (opaque) = joint + worm

The term 'jointworm' does not transparently convey its specific meaning as a pest affecting crops, despite being composed of recognizable words.

Etymology

Jointworm comes from the two English words joint, meaning 'the place on a plant stem where parts meet', and worm, meaning 'a small, often harmful larva'. So, a jointworm is the young insect that eats the joints of wheat straw and damages the crop.