Phytophaga

1 of 2

plural noun

Phy·​toph·​a·​ga
fīˈtäfəgə
: any of several groups of vegetable-feeding animals: such as
a
: a very large division of Coleoptera comprising beetles that have all the tarsi apparently 4-jointed, the head not rostrate, the labrum exposed, and the palpi never wholly occluded in the mouth and including the families Bruchidae, Chrysomelidae, and Cerambycidae or being made coextensive with Chrysomelidae
b
: a division of Hymenoptera comprising forms (as the sawflies) with larvae that feed on plants
c
: a group of Edentata including the sloths

Phytophaga

2 of 2

noun

"
: a genus of gall midges

Word History

Etymology

Plural noun

New Latin, from phyt- + -phaga

Noun

New Latin, from phyt- + -phaga

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 Phytophaga

Cite this Entry

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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