noun
aphid
AY-fid or AF-id
Aphid (noun) means a tiny soft-bodied insect that feeds by sucking sap from plants, often clustering in large numbers on new shoots and doing serious damage in gardens and crops. Example: “The rose buds were black with aphids.”
noun
1
A tiny soft-bodied insect that feeds by sucking sap from plants, often clustering in large numbers on new shoots and doing serious damage in gardens and crops.
"The rose buds were black with aphids."
"Ladybirds will clear an aphid infestation faster than any spray."
How to use aphid
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tiny insect that sucks the sap out of plants.
When to use it
Neutral; standard in gardening and entomology.
Memory tip
The plural is 'aphids', and the older scientific plural 'aphides' appears only in technical writing.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
aphid infestation
aphids on roses
control aphids
aphid colony
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The rose buds were black with _____.
Etymology
From modern Latin aphis, of uncertain origin.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
Are aphids harmful to plants?
Yes. They drain sap, which stunts growth and distorts new leaves, and they excrete a sticky honeydew that encourages sooty mould. Many species also carry plant viruses from one host to another, which is often the more serious problem.
How do you get rid of aphids naturally?
A strong jet of water knocks most of them off, and repeating it every few days keeps numbers down. Encouraging ladybirds, lacewings and hoverflies gives you lasting control, and insecticidal soap handles heavy infestations without wiping out those predators.
What is the difference between an aphid and greenfly?
Greenfly is a common British name for the green-coloured aphids found on roses and vegetables, and blackfly for the dark ones on beans. Both are aphids; the everyday names simply describe colour rather than a separate kind of insect.
What is the meaning of aphid?
"aphid" (noun) means a tiny soft-bodied insect that feeds by sucking sap from plants, often clustering in large numbers on new shoots and doing serious damage in gardens and crops.
