JOINTWORM

strawworm, jointworm

(noun) larva of chalcid flies injurious to the straw of wheat and other grains

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

jointworm (plural jointworms)

The larva of a hymenopterous fly, Tetramesa tritici, found in gall-like swellings on wheatstalks, usually around the first joint.

Source: Wiktionary


Joint"worm`, n. (Zoöl.)

Definition: The larva of a small, hymenopterous fly (Eurytoma hordei), which is found in gall-like swellings on the stalks of wheat, usually at or just above the first joint. In some parts of America it does great damage to the crop.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

13 January 2025

SOAK

(noun) the process of becoming softened and saturated as a consequence of being immersed in water (or other liquid); “a good soak put life back in the wagon”


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Coffee Trivia

In 1511, leaders in Mecca believed coffee stimulated radical thinking and outlawed the drink. In 1524, the leaders overturned that order, and people could drink coffee again.

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