cactoblastis

noun

cac·​to·​blas·​tis
ˌkaktəˈblastə̇s
1
capitalized : a genus of small moths (subfamily Phycitinae of the family Pyralidae) native to South America including the cactus moth (C. cactorum) which has been introduced into Australia to control prickly-pear infestation
2
plural cactoblastes
-ˌtēz
 : cactus moth

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from cactus + -o- + -blastis -blast

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cactoblastis was in 1931

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Dictionary Entries Near cactoblastis

Cactales

cactoblastis

cactus

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Cactoblastis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cactoblastis. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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