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Definition of "phylloxera" []

  • Any of several small insects of the genus Phylloxera that are related to aphids, especially P. vitifoliae, a widely distributed species very destructive to grape crops. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "phylloxera" in a sentence
  • "In the 19th century, a plague of insects called phylloxera decimated the vines used to grow wine grapes in Europe."
  • "These galls are caused by small insects known as phylloxera, which are closely related to aphids, or plant lice."
  • "In 1863 it partially recovered, under the free use of sulphur; but now it has been ravaged by the more dangerous phylloxera, which is spreading far faster than Mr. Henry Vizetelly supposes."