infestation

/ˌɪnfɛsˈteɪ̯ʃən/

infestation means the presence of a large number of pest organisms in an area or field, on the surface of a host or anything that might contact a host, or in the soil.

infestation is pronounced /ˌɪnfɛsˈteɪ̯ʃən/.

Etymology

From Middle French infestation, from Late Latin infestatio. Morphologically infest + -ation.

noun

The presence of a large number of pest organisms in an area or field, on the surface of a host or anything that might contact a host, or in the soil.“Guatemalan snowpea production has continually been harmed by insect and disease infestations.”