noun
aphid
AY-fid/ˈeɪfɪd/
A small insect that feeds on plant sap and can harm plants.
A green aphid feeds on the tender bean stem.
Etymology
The scientific name aphis has no certain explanation. A theory described as the “least improbable” links it to Greek “unsparing,” referring either to the insects’ rapid reproduction or to their voracity.
In context
they're soft bodied and pear shaped and we generally can tell it's an aphid by these cornicles or just tail that produ protrude out the back end of the aphid
More examples
- The gardener discovers aphids on the young shoots.
- A ladybug moves toward an aphid on the stem.
- The leaves curl where aphids have gathered.
Forms
aphid · aphids
Similar words
- insect
- A broad animal category, not specifically a sap-feeding pest.