Gourdworm

/ˈɡɔːrdwɜːrm/ noun

Definition

A caterpillar or larval insect that feeds on and damages gourd plants.

Etymology

Compound of gourd (from Old French 'gourde') and worm (from Old English 'wyrm'). This specialized term emerged to identify the specific pest that attacks gourds.

Kelly Says

Gourdworms have been plaguing farmers for thousands of years—ancient Egyptian tomb writings actually mention pests attacking melons and gourds, making this one of humanity's oldest documented agricultural problems.

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