neuropteran

[ noo-rop-ter-uhn, nyoo- ]

adjective

1. neuropterous.

noun

1. Also neu·ropter·on. a neuropterous insect.

neuropteran

/ njʊˈrɒptərən /

noun

1. any neuropterous insect

neuropteran

/ n-rŏp′tər-ən /

1. Any of various carnivorous insects of the order Neuroptera, having four net-veined wings and mouthparts adapted for chewing. Neuropterans include the lacewings and antlions. Formerly, the dobsonflies and alderflies, now classified as a separate order Megaloptera, and the snakeflies, now classified as the order Raphidiodea, were considered neuropterans.

Word History and Origins

Origin of neuropteran¹

1835–45; < New Latin Neuropter ( a ), neuter plural of neuropterus ( neuropterous ) + -an