Black Hills beetle

noun

: a bark beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) of the Rocky mountain area that feeds chiefly on mature ponderosa pine destroying the cambium and causing the death of great numbers of valuable timber trees

Word History

Etymology

from Black Hills, mountains in South Dakota and Wyoming

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near Black Hills beetle

Cite this Entry

“Black Hills beetle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Black%20Hills%20beetle. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!