tussock caterpillar

noun

: a caterpillar that is the larva of a tussock moth, is covered with long tufts or bushes of hair, and includes several which eat the leaves of various shade and fruit trees and often become destructive pests

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!