Cutworm (noun)

A type of caterpillar that feeds on the stems of young plants, causing damage and often killing them.

Origin:

From the description of their behavior, where they 'cut' young plants at the stem.

Examples:

1. The farmer noticed that many of his young plants were being damaged by cutworms, and took steps to protect them.
2. The gardener was dismayed to see that the cutworms had attacked her prize-winning tomatoes, cutting them off at the stem.
3. The scientist studied the biology and behavior of cutworms, trying to develop more effective ways to control them.
4. The conservationist was pleased to see that the introduction of natural predators, such as birds, had reduced the population of cutworms in the area.
5. The gardener used a special type of mulch to protect her plants from cutworms, discouraging them from feeding on the stems.