thrip
/θrɪp/
noun
- A very small, slender insect that feeds on plants and can damage crops or garden flowers.
- Thrips are so tiny that you often need a magnifying glass to see them.
- The gardener noticed thrips on the rose bushes and sprayed them with insecticidal soap.
- If your houseplant leaves look silvery or speckled, you might have a thrip infestation.