red spider mite
- noun
- /rɛd ˈspaɪdər maɪt/
:
ácaro rojo
- Orchard owners take preventive measures against red spider mites every spring.
Examples
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The gardener discovered a severe infestation of red spider mites on her tomato plants.
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The red spider mite infested the apple trees.
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Leaves infested by the red spider mite often turn yellow and fall off prematurely.
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Farmers are concerned about red spider mites this season.
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The red spider mite is known to cause significant damage to fruit trees if not controlled promptly.
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Farmers must keep an eye out for red spider mites on their plants, as they can quickly spread and harm crops.
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To combat the red spider mite, many gardeners use insecticidal soap to protect their vegetables.
Synonyms
27
6.3
A very small animal like a tiny spider that lives on animals, plants, or in food
1
6.4
A tiny bug that spins fine webs and feeds on plant leaves
A tiny red mite that spins webs and eats plant leaves
A tiny animal that makes fine webs on plant leaves and eats them
A very small spider-like animal that makes webs and damages fruit trees in orchards
A tiny mite that spins fine webs and eats leaves of garden and fruit trees
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly compositional: 'mite' (a tiny arachnid) modified by 'spider' (indicating spider-like, web-spinning characteristics) and 'red' (color). This follows a common noun-modifier pattern and a B1 learner who knows the parts would readily infer it refers to a small red, spider-like mite (a plant pest).
Etymology
Red spider mite comes from how the tiny creature looks and behaves: it is often red, is as small as a spider, and spins fine webs on plant leaves. So, the name now means 'a very small pest that feeds on plant sap and damages leaves'.