dipterous

[ dip-ter-uhs ]

/ ˈdɪp tər əs /

Save This Word!

adjective

Entomology. belonging or pertaining to the order Diptera, comprising the houseflies, mosquitoes, and gnats, characterized by a single, anterior pair of membranous wings with the posterior pair reduced to small, knobbed structures.

Botany. having two winglike appendages, as seeds or stems.

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON AFFECT VS. EFFECT!

In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”

Question 1 of 7

The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.

affect

effect

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Meet Grammar Coach

Write or paste your essay, email, or story into Grammar Coach and get grammar help

Improve Your Writing

Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing

Origin of dipterous

1765–75; <New Latin dipterus<Greek dípteros;see Diptera, -ous

OTHER WORDS FROM dipterous

non·dip·ter·ous, adjective

Words nearby dipterous

Diptera, dipteral, dipteran, dipterocarpaceous, dipteron, dipterous, diptote, diptych, dipylidiasis, Dipylidium caninum, dipyramid

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use dipterous in a sentence

They are not to be found in the larv of many Dipterous insects, and perhaps in some species belonging to other orders.
An Introduction to Entomology: Vol. III (of 4)|William Kirby
Claws nearly similar are found on the prolegs of some Dipterous larv, but not in any of those of the other orders.
An Introduction to Entomology: Vol. III (of 4)|William Kirby
More than one expedition has failed on account of this dipterous fly.
Animal Parasites and Messmates|P. J. Van Beneden
Its food consists principally of gnats and other dipterous insects.
The Young Collector's Handbook of Ants, Bees, Dragon-flies, Earwigs, Crickets, and Flies|W. Harcourt Bath

The changes in question (Dipterous larv) go still further and are more profound.
Studies in the Theory of Descent (Volumes 1 and 2)|August Weismann

British Dictionary definitions for dipterous

dipterous

/ (ˈdɪptərəs) /

adjective

Also: dipteran of, relating to, or belonging to the Diptera, a large order of insects having a single pair of wings and sucking or piercing mouthparts. The group includes flies, mosquitoes, craneflies, and midges

botany having two winglike partsa dipterous seed

Word Origin for dipterous

C18: from New Latin, from Greek dipteros, from di- two + pteros wing

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for dipterous

dipterous

[ dĭp′tər-əs ]

adj.

Of or characteristic of insects of the order Diptera.

Having two wings or winglike appendages.