alfalfa snout beetle

noun

: a parthenogenetic wingless Old World weevil (Brachyrhinus ligustici) that attacks clovers, alfalfa, and other legumes and is especially destructive to alfalfa since the larvae feed on the taproot while the adults consume the leaves

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alfalfa snout beetle was in 1934

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near alfalfa snout beetle

Cite this Entry

“Alfalfa snout beetle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alfalfa%20snout%20beetle. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!