large white
Definition
Noun 1. A European butterfly species: The 'large white' is a common name for Pieris brassicae, a butterfly species native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is known for its predominantly white wings with black tips on the forewings. 2. A type of cabbage butterfly: It is a significant agricultural pest, as its caterpillars feed voraciously on plants in the cabbage family (Brassicaceae), such as cabbage, broccoli, and kale.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The large white is one of the most common butterflies seen in European gardens.
- Farmers often monitor for large white caterpillars to protect their cabbage crops.
Advanced Usage
- In scientific/entomological contexts: The term is used to distinguish from similar species like the small white ().
- The study compared the feeding habits of the large white and the small white.
Variants and Related Words
- Cabbage white: A common alternative name for butterflies in the genus, including both the large white and small white.
- Pieris brassicae: The formal scientific (Latin) name for the species.
Synonyms
- Cabbage butterfly (a broader term that can refer to several similar species)
- European cabbage white
Notes on Meaning
- The term specifically refers to the insect species. It is a compound noun where "large" describes the size relative to similar butterflies (e.g., the "small white"), and "white" refers to the primary wing color. It is treated as a single lexical unit for the butterfly.
Noun
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Old World form of cabbage butterfly
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