[root-wurm, roo
t-] 
| 1. | the larva of any of several insects, as the cucumber beetle, that feeds on the roots of plants. |
| 2. | any of several nematodes, esp. of the genus Heterodera, that puncture and feed in the roots of plants. |
| root·worm (rōōt'wûrm', rŏŏt'-) n. Any of several beetles of the genus Diabrotica, the larvae of which feed on the roots of various crop plants, especially corn. |