oriental fruit moth

noun

: a small nearly cosmopolitan moth (Grapholita molesta synonym Cydia molesta) probably of Japanese origin whose larva is injurious to the twigs and fruit of orchard trees and especially the peach

called also oriental peach moth

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oriental fruit moth was circa 1921

Dictionary Entries Near oriental fruit moth

Cite this Entry

“Oriental fruit moth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oriental%20fruit%20moth. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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