Definition

A type of moth whose larvae feed on cotton plants, causing damage to the crops.

Example

Farmers often struggle with bollworm infestations in their cotton fields.

Conversation

Have you heard about the bollworm problem affecting cotton farms this year?

Yeah, I read that it can really damage the crops.

It's crazy how much impact a little bollworm can have on the economy.

Definitely, farmers are really struggling with it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Bollworm → The word is formed from 'boll' (from Middle English *bolle*, meaning a seed pod or capsule) and 'worm' (from Old English *wyrm*, meaning a serpent or worm). A bollworm is a type of caterpillar that infests the seed pods of plants, hence the combination of these parts describes a worm that lives in seed pods.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'seed pod' ('boll') being infested by a 'worm' — that's why a bollworm is a caterpillar that lives in seed pods.

Visually Confused Words