Pest
/pɛst/noun
A destructive insect or other animal that attacks crops, food, livestock, etc.
Did you know?The term 'pest' is derived from the Latin 'pestis', which means 'plague' or 'destruction', connecting it to historical outbreaks that wreaked havoc on societies.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
pestis
“A plague or deadly disease.”
Old French
Old French
peste
“A contagion; a widespread disease.”
Middle English
Middle English
pest
“A term used for any disease or plague affecting crops or livestock.”
Modern English
English
pest
“Refers to any destructive insect or animal, especially in agricultural contexts.”
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