PHYLLOXERA
Phylloxera, genus Phylloxera
(noun) type genus of the Phylloxeridae: plant lice
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
phylloxera (plural phylloxeras or phylloxerae)
An aphid, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae of the family Phylloxeridae (not the genus Phylloxera), that is very destructive to grape vines; also, the diseased condition of a vine caused by this aphid. [from 19th c.]
Synonyms
• (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae): Phylloxera vastatrix (invalid)
Source: Wiktionary
Phyl`lox*e"ra, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr.
1. (Zoöl.)
Definition: A small hemipterous insect (Phylloxera vastatrix) allied to the
aphids. It attacks the roots and leaves of the grapevine, doing great
damage, especially in Europe.
Note: It exists in several forms, some of which are winged, other
wingless. One form produces galls on the leaves and twigs, another
affects the roots, causing galls or swellings, and often killing the
vine.
2. The diseased condition of a vine caused by the insect just
described.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition