aphid

[ ey-fid, af-id ]

noun

1. any of numerous tiny soft-bodied insects of the family Aphididae of worldwide distribution, that suck the sap from the stems and leaves of various plants, some developing wings when overcrowding occurs: an important pest of many fruit trees and vegetable crops.

aphid

/ ˈeɪfɪd; əˈfɪdɪən /

noun

1. any of the small homopterous insects of the family Aphididae, which feed by sucking the juices from plants Also calledplant louse See also greenfly blackfly

Derived Forms

• aphidian, adjectivenoun
• aˈphidious, adjective

Other Words From

• a·phid·i·an [uh, -, fid, -ee-, uh, n], adjective noun
• a·phidi·ous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of aphid¹

First recorded in 1880–85; back formation from aphides, plural of aphis

Word History and Origins

Origin of aphid¹

C19: back formation from aphides, plural of aphis

Example Sentences

Downtown's Pershing Square supports mourning doves, Vaux's swifts, gopher snakes and exotic streaktails, a type of fly that feeds on aphids.

From Science Daily

Acephate and malathion belong to a class of chemicals called organophosphates, which U.S. farmers have used for decades because they efficiently kill aphids, fire ants and other pests.

From Salon

Mosquitoes, aphids and flies, however, must settle for dripping.

From New York Times

Tanglefoot, a sticky, gooey substance, can be applied near the base of a tree to stop ants from reaching the aphids.

From Seattle Times

No sooner do fresh buds appear then they are covered in aphids, beetles and other bugs looking for a tasty snack.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• ant
• bee
• beetle
• butterfly
• cockroach
• dragonfly
• flea
• fruit fly
• gnat
• grasshopper
• ladybug
• mite
• mosquito
• moth
• pest
• spider
• termite
• tick