geometrid

American  

[jee-om-i-trid] / dʒiˈɒm ɪ trɪd /

adjective

1. belonging or relating to the family Geometridae, comprising slender-bodied, broad-winged moths, the larvae of which are called inchworms.

   In one lowland rainforest, they recorded more than 400 geometrid species.

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noun

1. Also geometrid moth any moth of the family Geometridae, comprising slender-bodied, broad-winged moths, the larvae of which are called inchworms, including cankerworms and hemlock loopers.

geometrid British  

/ dʒɪˈɒmɪtrɪd /

noun

1. any moth of the family Geometridae, the larvae of which are called measuring worms, inchworms, or loopers

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the Geometridae

Etymology

Origin of geometrid

First recorded in 1860–65; from New Latin Geometridae, from Geometr(a), a genus name ( see geometer; so called because the larva seems to measure the ground with its looping motion) + -idae -id ²

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

geometrid

Scall′op moth, a name applied to several geometrid moths; Scall′op-shell, a scallop, or the shell of one, the badge of a pilgrim.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various

Scorched′-car′pet, -wing, British geometrid moths; Scorch′er, anything that scorches, a very caustic rebuke, criticism, &c.: one who rides a bicycle furiously on a road; Scorch′ing.—p.adj. burning superficially: bitterly sarcastic, scathing.—adv.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various

How is this change brought about?Explain the protective coloration of the following: Dead-leaf butterfly, walking stick, geometrid larva.

From A Guide for the Study of Animals by Lucas, Frederic

The Desmoscolecida move by looping their bodies like geometrid caterpillars or leeches, as well as by creeping on their setae.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 2 "Demijohn" to "Destructor" by Various

Ringed′-car′pet, a British geometrid moth; Ring′-fence, a fence continuously encircling an estate, a limit; Ring′-fing′er, the third finger of the left hand, on which women wear their marriage-ring.—adj.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R) by Various