dipterous

[ dip-ter-uh s ]

/ ˈdɪp tər əs /

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.

Nearby words

Origin of dipterous

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

Related formsnon·dip·ter·ous, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for dipterous

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
It moved, like other dipterous larv, by means of its mandibles.
An Introduction to Entomology: Vol. I (of 4)|William Kirby
Dip′teran, a dipterous insect; Dip′teros, a building with double peristyle or colonnade.
Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D)|Various
Diopsis, dī-op′sis, n. a genus of dipterous insects, of the fly family.
Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D)|Various

Sepsis, sep′sis, n. putridity, rot: a genus of dipterous insects.
Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements)|Various

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

Medicine definitions for dipterous

dipterous

[ dĭp′tər-əs ]

adj.

Of or characteristic of insects of the order Diptera.

Having two wings or winglike appendages.

Science definitions for dipterous

dipteran

[ dĭp′tər-ən ]

Any of various insects of the order Diptera, characterized by a single pair of membranous wings, a pair of club-shaped balancing organs, and large compound eyes. Dipterans include the flies, mosquitoes, midges, and gnats.

Related formsdipterous adjective