pulvinaria

noun

pul·​vi·​nar·​ia
ˌpəlvəˈna(a)rēə
1
capitalized : a genus of scales in which the females are large, flat, and nearly circular and secrete a cottony egg case see cottony maple scale
2
plural -s : any insect of the genus Pulvinaria

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin pulvinus cushion + New Latin -aria; from the appearance of the egg case

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 pulvinaria

Cite this Entry

“Pulvinaria.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pulvinaria. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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