Scolytus

noun

Scol·​y·​tus

-lətəs

: the type genus of Scolytidae comprising numerous small bark beetles of which some are destructive to economically important plants and one (S. multistriatus) is a vector of the fungus that causes Dutch elm disease

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, irregular from Greek skolyptein to cut short; akin to Greek kolos docked, hornless (lame)

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!