Thrips \Thrips\, n. [L., a woodworm, Gr. ?.]

(Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous small species of Thysanoptera, especially those which attack useful plants, as the grain thrips (Thrips cerealium).

Note: The term is also popularly applied to various other small injurious insects.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)