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Diptera

American  
[dip-ter-uh, -truh] / ˈdɪp tər ə, -trə /

noun

  1. the order comprising the dipterous insects.

  2. (lowercase) plural of dipteron.


Etymology

Origin of Diptera

1810–20; < New Latin < Greek, neuter plural of dípteros two-winged, equivalent to di- di- 1 + -pteros -pterous

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Maggots are the larval form of the Diptera species—in other words, baby flies.

From Slate Feb. 25, 2024

Yet to Saudi riches some of the biggest names in golf flocked again last week, like, you could say nicely, Diptera to dung.

From Washington Post Jul. 3, 2022

This species is a reminder of just how little we know about scuttle flies, which are among the most biologically diverse, anatomically adventurous and species-rich of any Diptera family.

From The Guardian Oct. 13, 2012

It would be banal to recall that phthiriasis is caused by lice, and that certain larvae of Diptera, such as the cestrids, may occasion the disease called myasis.

From "An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793" by Jim Murphy

It will frequently be advisable, also, especially in the collection of Diptera, Hymenoptera, and other delicate insects, to put a strip of blotting paper partially round the inner side of the bottle.

From Directions for Collecting and Preserving Insects by Riley, C. V.

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