The word "weevilled" (pronounced as /ˈwiːvəld/) is the past tense of the verb weevil, which refers to the infestation of grains and other stored food products by a type of small beetle. The spelling of the word derives from the root word weevil, which is spelled as /ˈwiːvəl/. The suffix "-ed" is added to indicate the past tense. The pronunciation of the word is emphasized on the first syllable, and the "v" sound is strongly emphasized.
Weevilled is an adjective that describes a situation or item that has been affected or infested by weevils, specifically a type of small beetle. Weevils are known for their destructive feeding habits, particularly targeting stored grains, cereals, and nuts. When something is referred to as weevilled, it means that it has been invaded or contaminated by these pests.
In agriculture and food industries, weevilled commonly refers to food products, particularly grains or flour, that have been compromised by weevils. When weevils infest these commodities, they feed on them, causing damage by burrowing into the grain or depositing eggs within it. As a result, the affected food may display various signs such as holes, tunnels, or larvae infestation, rendering it unfit for consumption or sale.
The term weevilled can also extend beyond food products, encompassing other substances like wood. Certain types of weevils target wooden structures, building nests and feeding tunnels within the material. Consequently, when wood is weevilled, it may exhibit signs of structural damage, weakened integrity, or wood dust caused by the burrowing activity of these pests.
In summary, weevilled indicates that something has been significantly damaged or infested by weevils. It implies a state of contamination, unsuitability, or compromised quality, primarily in relation to food products but potentially extending to other materials as well.
Infested with weevils.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "weevilled" is derived from the noun "weevil", which refers to a type of small beetle from the family Curculionidae. The term "weevil" originated in Middle English as "wevel" or "weovil" and has its roots in Old English "wefol". The original meaning of "weevil" in Old English was a wool-eating insect, but it later evolved to encompass various tiny beetles that infest stored grains and seeds, causing damage.
"Weevilled" is the past participle form of the verb "weevil", which means to be infested or contaminated by weevils. When used as an adjective, "weevilled" describes something that has been affected or damaged by weevils or their larvae, particularly in the context of food, crops, or other stored organic materials.