armored scale

noun

: any of a family (Diaspididae) of scale insects having a firm covering of wax best developed in the female

Examples of armored scale in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Weighing in at about 660 pounds, measuring almost six feet long and covered in armored scales, the animal would have been one of the smallest Neosclerocalyptus roaming the area in its day. Rudy Molinek, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 July 2024 The animals are known for their armored scales and ability to roll up into a ball when threatened. Katie Hunt, CNN, 17 July 2024 And that included the armored scales, showing that the neural crest is central to their formation. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 18 July 2023 This didn't contribute to the armored scales, confirming that the neural crest is central to the process. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 18 July 2023 After the injection of the dye, the embryos were allowed to continue to develop until the formation of the armored scales start. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 18 July 2023 When numerous, armored scale (the group to which San Jose scale belongs) will potentially cause plant stunting or dieback. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2023 Visit our When numerous, armored scale (the group to which San Jose Scale belongs) will potentially cause plant stunting or dieback. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2023 These skinks are unique in appearance, with relatively armored scales and a rounded tail that appears similar to its head. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 28 June 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of armored scale was in 1881

Dictionary Entries Near armored scale

Cite this Entry

“Armored scale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/armored%20scale. 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!