corn borer

noun

1. any of several pyralid moths, as Pyrausta ( ostrinia ) nubilalis European corn borer, the larvae of which bore into the stem and crown of corn and other plants.

corn borer

noun

1. the larva of the pyralid moth Pyrausta nubilalis, native to S and Central Europe: in E North America a serious pest of maize

Word History and Origins

Origin of corn borer¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Serious damage is threatened to the corn crop by the European corn borer.

From Project Gutenberg