rhizoverbBeta
Dictionarypestharmful organism
noun

pest

PEST/pest/

An organism that causes damage or threatens health.

The mosquito is a persistent pest that bothers the person trying to read.

Mosquito repeatedly bothers person trying to read, swatting hand and annoyed expression; tiny insect visible.
Etymology
pestLatindeadly disease; bane

Latin pestis named a deadly disease or bane. English extended the plague sense to destructive or troublesome people and things, making an everyday nuisance a figurative plague.

In context

CNA Insider20:15
The biggest pest that we've now got to deal with is Varroa Mite. It turned up in Australia three years ago. It's a parasitic mite
Fake Honey: Why It's More Common Than You Think | Talking Point | Full Episode

More examples

  • Termites are pests that can weaken a home's wooden frame.
  • The farmer checks the corn for signs of pests.
  • Mosquitoes are pests that can spread disease through their bites.

Forms

pest · pests

pesticide noun — A substance used to kill or control pests.

Similar words

vermin
Vermin refers collectively to harmful animals, especially rodents and insects.
parasite
A parasite specifically lives on or inside a host organism.