jointworm
/ˈdʒɔɪntˌwɜrm/
noun
- A small insect larva that lives inside the stems of plants, especially wheat and other grains, and can damage crops.
- Jointworms can weaken plant stems, causing them to break easily in the wind.
- Scientists are studying ways to protect crops from jointworm infestations without using harsh chemicals.
- The farmer found jointworms in his wheat field and worried about the harvest.