adelgid

English

Etymology

Borrowed from New Latin Adelges +‎ -id, first attested in 1928. The Latin term is adapted from a purported Ancient Greek *ἀδελγεῖν (*adelgeîn, “to suck”), which is unattested; it is likely there was some confusion with ἀμελγεῖν (amelgeîn, “to milk, to suck up moisture, to drink”). Compare French adelge.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /əˈdɛl.d͡ʒɪd/

Noun

adelgid (plural adelgids)

1. An insect of the genus Adelges.
   • 1939, Samuel Alexander Graham, Principles of Forest Entomology, page 315:

     For this reason, it is important that adelgid-free planting stock be used.

   • 2003, Timothy Silver, Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains, page 238:

     Since the adelgid did not attack red spruce or hardwoods, its impact on the timber industry would be minimal.

   • 2004, Geoffrey A. Hammerson, Connecticut Wildlife, page 232:

     Severe winter cold helps reduce adelgid populations and slow their spread, so the recent trend toward relatively mild winters is actually facilitating the adelgid onslaught.

Derived terms

• fir adelgid
• woolly adelgid
• pine bark adelgid

Anagrams

• Gaddiel