true weevil; weevil of family Curculionidae
Refers to any member of the weevil family Curculionidae. A biological term; in everyday contexts, simply ゾウムシ may be used.
True weevils are characterized by their long snouts.
This specimen of a true weevil is on display at the museum.
Katakana spelling is standard for this insect name; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling is very rare and mostly seen in older or specialized texts; learners should use the kana forms.
The name likely combines 筬 (おさ, 'reed' of a loom) with 象虫 (ぞうむし, 'weevil'), but the exact derivation is uncertain. The katakana spelling is standard for this biological term.