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.
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
Very small Diptera should not be killed when they can not be immediately pinned, and hairy flies should never be taken from the net with the hand, but should be handled with fine forceps.
From Directions for Collecting and Preserving Insects by Riley, C. V.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
