weevil
UK: ˈwiːvəl | US: ˈwiːvəl
n. a small beetle that feeds on crops and stored grains, often causing agricultural damage.
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The word "weevil" traces back to Old English wifel, meaning "beetle," likely derived from Proto-Germanic wibilaz. The diminutive suffix -il (as in "pupil" or "peril") was later added, possibly to emphasize the insect's small size. The root weev- may be linked to the verb "weave," referencing the beetle's destructive tunneling through plants or grains, though this connection is speculative. Over time, the term narrowed to specifically describe crop-damaging beetles.
Farmers struggle to control weevils infesting their cotton fields.
Stored wheat must be protected from weevils to avoid spoilage.
The rice weevil is a major pest in granaries worldwide.
Scientists study weevil behavior to develop eco-friendly pesticides.
A single weevil can lay hundreds of eggs in its lifetime.