Cutworm - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A cutworm is the caterpillar of certain moths that feeds on young plants by cutting stems near the ground. It is a common pest in gardens and crops.
Definition:
A caterpillar that feeds on plant stems near the ground, often damaging crops.
Synonyms:
larva, pest, grub
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
pollinator, beneficial insect
Common Collocations:
crop damage, garden pest, soil dweller
Derivatives:
cutworms (plural), cutworm-infested (adjective)
Usage Tips:
Use "cutworm" to describe destructive larvae in agriculture or gardening contexts.
Common Phrases:
cutworm infestation, fight cutworms, cutworm damage
Etymology:
Derived from "cut" (for severing plants) + "worm" (referring to larval stage).
Examples:
- 1. The farmer found cutworms attacking his tomato plants at night.
- 2. Gardeners often use barriers to protect seedlings from cutworms.
- 3. Cutworms hide in the soil during the day and feed after dark.
- 4. A severe cutworm infestation can destroy an entire crop quickly.