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Definition of mealybug

mealybug

/ˈmiːliˌbʌɡ/
mea · ly · bug
Plural:mealybugs
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mealybug Lexical Profile

mealybug Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of various small, soft-bodied scale insects of the family Pseudococcidae, found worldwide in warm climates and greenhouses, characterized by a white, powdery, waxlike coating and known as destructive sap-sucking pests of agricultural crops and houseplants.

Example

"The gardener sprayed neem oil on the hibiscus leaves to eliminate a stubborn infestation of mealybugs."

• Nearby Words

mealtime
mealworm
mealy
mealybug
mealymouthed
mean
meander

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 18th century as a compound of "mealy" (resembling coarse grain or flour) and "bug," referring to the white, powdery wax secretion that covers the insect's body.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mealybug. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mealybug
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