dipterous

[ dip-ter-uhs ]

adjective

1. 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.
2. Botany. having two winglike appendages, as seeds or stems.

dipterous

/ ˈdɪptərəs /

adjective

1. Alsodipteran 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
2. botany having two winglike parts

   a dipterous seed

Other Words From

• non·dipter·ous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dipterous¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of dipterous¹

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

Example Sentences

They are not to be found in the larv of many Dipterous insects, and perhaps in some species belonging to other orders.

From Project Gutenberg

Claws nearly similar are found on the prolegs of some Dipterous larv, but not in any of those of the other orders.

From Project Gutenberg

More than one expedition has failed on account of this dipterous fly.

From Project Gutenberg

Its food consists principally of gnats and other dipterous insects.

From Project Gutenberg

The changes in question (Dipterous larv) go still further and are more profound.

From Project Gutenberg