Chinch

/tʃɪntʃ/ noun

Definition

A small insect that feeds on plant sap and can become an agricultural pest, particularly damaging to grain and corn crops.

Etymology

From Spanish 'chinche,' derived from Latin 'cimex' (bug). The word entered English in the 17th century through agricultural trade and pest management terminology.

Kelly Says

Chinch bugs are a fascinating agricultural enemy—they use a special straw-like mouth part to pierce plants and drain them, and they can devastate entire fields in weeks.

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