adelgid

English

Etymology

Borrowed from New Latin Adelges +‎ -id, first attested in 1928. The Latin term is adapted from a purported Ancient Greek *ἀδελγεῖν (*adelgeîn, to suck), which is unattested; it is likely there was some confusion with ἀμελγεῖν (amelgeîn, to milk, to suck up moisture, to drink). Compare French adelge.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /əˈdɛl.d͡ʒɪd/

Noun

adelgid (plural adelgids)

  1. An insect of the genus Adelges.
    • 1939, Samuel Alexander Graham, Principles of Forest Entomology, page 315:
      For this reason, it is important that adelgid-free planting stock be used.
    • 2003, Timothy Silver, Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains, page 238:
      Since the adelgid did not attack red spruce or hardwoods, its impact on the timber industry would be minimal.
    • 2004, Geoffrey A. Hammerson, Connecticut Wildlife, page 232:
      Severe winter cold helps reduce adelgid populations and slow their spread, so the recent trend toward relatively mild winters is actually facilitating the adelgid onslaught.

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