braconid

[ brak-uh-nid ]

noun

1. any of numerous wasps of the family Braconidae, the larvae of which are parasitic on aphids and on the larvae of moths, butterflies, beetles, etc.

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the family Braconidae.

Word History and Origins

Origin of braconid¹

1890–95; < New Latin Braconidae, equivalent to Bracon a genus (irregular < Greek brachýs short; brachy- ) + -idae -id ² )

Example Sentences

To find out how the PKFs were killing the parasites, scientists exposed braconid wasp larva to beet armyworm and infected northern armyworm plasma.

From Science Magazine

“And then in the final game, I drew the letters for braconid — through an I — which scored me 176 points.”

From Seattle Times

Following three rounds of heated linguistic jousting, Brett Smitheram, 37, a recruitment consultant from East London, was crowned the World Scrabble Champion Sunday after he drew the letters for the word “braconid.”

From Seattle Times

Brett Smitheram, 37, from east London, won the top prize at the 2016 final held at the Grand Palais in Lille, with ‘Braconid’, meaning a small, parasitic wasp.

From Time

The 37-year-old's highest scoring word was BRACONID, meaning a parasitic wasp, which earned him 176 points.

From BBC