shot-hole borer

noun

: a small bark beetle (Scolytus rugulosus) that attacks orchard fruit trees and kills the bark of small branches and twigs
broadly : any of several other beetles of the family Scolytidae attacking trees or shrubs (such as the beetle Xyleborus fornicatus that attacks the tea plant)

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 shot-hole borer

Cite this Entry

“Shot-hole borer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shot-hole%20borer. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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