apterous

[ ap-ter-uhs ]

adjective

1. Zoology. wingless, as some insects.
2. Botany. without membranous expansions, as a stem.

apterous

/ ˈæptərəs /

adjective

1. (of insects) without wings, as silverfish and springtails
2. without winglike expansions, as some plant stems, seeds, and fruits

Derived Forms

• ˈapterˌism, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of apterous¹

First recorded in 1765–75, apterous is from the Greek word ápteros wingless. See a- ⁶, -pterous

Word History and Origins

Origin of apterous¹

C18: from Greek apteros wingless, from a- ¹+ pteron wing

Example Sentences

Fleas are apterous, walk but little, but leap to a height equal to two hundred times that of their own body.

From Project Gutenberg

Those which resemble the perfect insect, except that they are apterous, or not yet furnished with organs of flight.

From Project Gutenberg

Male and female larv similar, apterous, naked or covered, active.

From Project Gutenberg

In the autumn, however, the eggs which are laid give rise in part to winged forms and in part to apterous forms.

From Project Gutenberg

It appears to be apterous, and is said in scent and colour to resemble the bed-bug.

From Project Gutenberg