destructor

[ dih-struhk-ter ]

noun

1. British. a furnace for the burning of refuse; incinerator.
2. Rocketry. a destruct mechanism or device for destroying an off-course airborne missile or launch vehicle.

destructor

/ dɪˈstrʌktə /

noun

1. a furnace or incinerator for the disposal of refuse, esp one that uses the resulting heat to generate power
2. a device used to blow up a dangerously defective missile or rocket after launching

Word History and Origins

Origin of destructor¹

1685–95; < Late Latin dēstructor, equivalent to Latin dēstruc- variant stem of dēstruere ( destruction ) + -tor -tor

Example Sentences

As he mentioned in different press conferences, every player in the team had clearly defined roles, and his was to be the destructor.

From BBC

Two of the biggest disease threats for honey bees, according to the researchers, are DWV and the tiny parasite that spreads it: the Varroa destructor mite.

From Science Daily

The European honeybee is also being badly affected by a parasitic mite called varroa destructor.

From BBC

The parasitic mite Varroa destructor that helps transmit viruses is the chief culprit, but bad weather and queen issues were also big problems in the past year, Steinhauer said.

From Seattle Times

To them, Trump is Jesus Christ, a martyr, a savior, a warlord, an avenging force, a sadist, a destructor, hero, role model, lover, parent, a platonic ideal, friend, and so many other things all at once.

From Salon