weevil
/ˈwiːv(ə)l
/ /ˈwiːvɪl /noun
1A small beetle with an elongated snout, the larvae of which typically develop inside seeds, stems, or other plant parts. Many are pests of crops or stored foodstuffs.
- Curculionidae and other families in the superfamily Curculionoidea: numerous genera.
- Although they are more usually a problem with plants grown in pots, vine weevils will attack plants growing out in the garden.
- I was surprised when the Royal Horticultural Society named the vine weevil as the worst pest in the garden last year.
1.1 informal Any small insect that damages stored grain.Why was nothing was done to fumigate the grain and protect it from weevils?
Derivatives
weevily
- Sailors accomplished great feats of exploration on little more than limes and weevily biscuits.
Origin
Old English wifel 'beetle', from a Germanic base meaning 'move briskly'.