San Jose scale

noun

San Jo·​se scale ˌsan-(h)ō-ˈzā- How to pronounce San Jose scale (audio)
ˌsa-nə-ˈzā-
: a scale insect (Quadraspidiotus perniciosus) probably of Asian origin that is naturalized in the U.S. and is destructive to fruit trees

Examples of San Jose scale in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Farmers searched for pesticides that could stop the San Jose scale. — Carl Zimmer, Discover Magazine, 4 May 2010 When numerous, armored scale (the group to which San Jose scale belongs) will potentially cause plant stunting or dieback. — Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2023

Word History

Etymology

San Jose, California

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of San Jose scale was in 1887

Rhymes for San Jose scale

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Browse Nearby Words

San Jose del Monte
San Jose scale
San Juan
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“San Jose scale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/San%20Jose%20scale. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

San Jose scale

noun
San Jo·​se scale ˌsan-ə-ˌzā- How to pronounce San Jose scale (audio)
: a scale insect introduced into North America from Asia that is very destructive to fruit trees

More from Merriam-Webster on San Jose scale

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about San Jose scale

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