What does "phylloxera" mean?
An insect, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae of the family Phylloxeridae (not the genus Phylloxera), that is very destructive to grape vines; also, the diseased condition of a vine caused by this insect.
Phylloxera
/fɪˈlɑːk.sɚ/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An insect, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae of the family Phylloxeridae (not the genus Phylloxera), that is very destructive to grape vines; also, the diseased condition of a vine caused by this insect.
- Grammar: phylloxera is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: grape phylloxera, grapevine louse, phylloxera crisis, phylloxera epidemic.
- Useful contrasts: benign insect, no phylloxera outbreak, nonpest.
- Usage evidence: thirty-five years later the coming of phylloxera to France launched the Algerian wine industry, and by the mid-twentieth century it had grown to be one of the Mediterranean's biggest producers.
How to use "phylloxera"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "phylloxera" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "phylloxera" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "phylloxera" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "phylloxera" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "grape phylloxera" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An insect, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae of the family Phylloxeridae (not the genus Phylloxera), that is very destructive to grape vines; also, the diseased condition of a vine caused by this insect.
"thirty-five years later the coming of phylloxera to France launched the Algerian wine industry, and by the mid-twentieth century it had grown to be one of the Mediterranean's biggest producers."
Synonyms
All synonyms grape phylloxeragrapevine lousephylloxera crisisphylloxera epidemicphylloxera invasionroot aphid
Antonyms
Example
"thirty-five years later the coming of phylloxera to France launched the Algerian wine industry, and by the mid-twentieth century it had grown to be one of the Mediterranean's biggest producers."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "phylloxera"?
Common synonyms include: grape phylloxera, grapevine louse, phylloxera crisis, phylloxera epidemic, phylloxera invasion, root aphid.
How do you use "phylloxera" in a sentence?
thirty-five years later the coming of phylloxera to France launched the Algerian wine industry, and by the mid-twentieth century it had grown to be one of the Mediterranean's biggest producers.
How do you pronounce "phylloxera"?
Pronounced /fɪˈlɑːk.sɚ/.
Etymology
From the original, superseded genus name translingual Phylloxera, from Ancient Greek φύλλον (phúllon, “leaf”) + ξηρός (xērós, “dry”).