Cankerworms

/ˈkæŋkərˌwɜrmz/ noun

Definition

Plural of cankerworm; multiple caterpillars or insect larvae that cause canker-like damage to plants.

Etymology

Simple plural of 'cankerworm', inheriting the compound structure of the singular.

Kelly Says

Cankerworm infestations can be so severe that whole forests lose their leaves in spring—they're one of the reasons why 'canker' became such an important concept in farming and forestry language.

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