soft scale

noun

1. any of numerous homopterous insect pests of the family Coccidae, as leafhoppers, aphids, and whiteflies, that are destructive to crops, shade and fruit trees, and various houseplants.

Word History and Origins

Origin of soft scale¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

They differ from the ganoid fishes by having soft scales and a complete bony skeleton.

From Project Gutenberg

Another approved insecticide for scale insects is resin wash, which acts in two ways: first, corroding the soft scales, and second, fixing the harder scales to stop the egress of the hexapod larvae.

From Project Gutenberg

I employ quick, soft scales, always remembering the basic principle of breath control I have mentioned, and always as though inhaling.

From Project Gutenberg

The stem is even, or sometimes tapers upward, often grooved near the apex, very tomentose or scaly with soft scales of the same color as the cap.

From Project Gutenberg

On the contrary I find that in the soft scales the major third at the close has a glorious and uncommonly quieting effect.

From Project Gutenberg