1. A small insect that feeds on grapevines, causing severe damage to vineyards by attacking the roots and leaves
Usage: Usually used in singular or uncountable form; Technical/agricultural term

Examples

• Phylloxera devastated European vineyards in the 19th century.
• The pest phylloxera nearly destroyed the French wine industry.
• Growers use resistant rootstocks to protect their vines from phylloxera.
• Phylloxera spreads through infested soil and plant material.
• Many historic vineyards had to be replanted after phylloxera outbreaks.