Bruce spanworm

noun

ˈbrüs-
variants or less commonly Bruce's spanworm
ˈbrüsə̇z-
: a spanworm (Operophtera bruceata) that feeds in early spring on the foliage of deciduous trees in the northeastern U.S. and southern Canada

Word History

Etymology

probably after William S. Bruce †1921 British explorer and naturalist

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Cite this Entry

“Bruce spanworm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Bruce%20spanworm. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

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