acorn moth

noun

: a small, whitish-gray moth (Valentinia glandulella synonym Blastobasis glandulella of the family Blastobasidae) chiefly of the central and eastern United States with larvae that develop inside nuts and especially acorns
As the autumn wears on, increasing numbers of acorn moths … gain access to acorns on the ground through insect holes, cracks, and sprouts.Mark W. Moffett, National Geographic, June 1989

Note: The larvae of acorn moths frequently enter acorns through holes made by acorn weevils.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of acorn moth was circa 1871

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near acorn moth

Cite this Entry

“Acorn moth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acorn%20moth. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!