purple scale

noun

: a brownish or purplish armored scale (Lepidosaphes beckii) that is destructive to citrus fruit

Examples of purple scale in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In the first photo, Trainor is a very convincing Celia next to Riley’s version of his mother’s costume with purple scales and tentacle-like arm sleeves. Alexis Jones, Peoplemag, 4 Nov. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of purple scale was circa 1909

Dictionary Entries Near purple scale

Cite this Entry

“Purple scale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purple%20scale. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

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