Vermins

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A collective term for various undesirable pests or small animals that can cause harm to crops or property
2. Referring specifically to creatures often regarded as nuisances or carriers of disease, such as rodents or insects
3. Describing any small critters considered harmful or troublesome in domestic or agricultural contexts

Etymology: "Vermins" is a nonstandard plural of "vermin," which is normally a collective noun with no plural, so the form mostly appears in informal writing. "Vermin" came into English from Old French "vermine," which derives from Latin "vermis," meaning "worm." Its early sense was broad, covering any small creeping or noxious creature, including worms and insects. Over time it narrowed to animals regarded as pests, especially those that spoiled food, damaged crops, or invaded property.

Synonyms: pests, nuisances, vermin, rodents, insects

Antonyms: beneficials