Lepidoptera
[lep-i-dop-ter-uh]
- the order comprising the lepidopterous insects.
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Origin of Lepidoptera
lepidopteron
[lep-i-dop-ter-uh n]
- any lepidopterous insect.
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Origin of lepidopteron
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for lepidoptera
Historical Examples
Median shade or line: in Lepidoptera, crosses at or about middle of wings.
Explanation of Terms Used in EntomologyJohn. B. Smith
Lingua spiralis: the spiral tongue of Lepidoptera: see glossa.
Explanation of Terms Used in EntomologyJohn. B. Smith
Palpuli: the maxillary palpi in Lepidoptera, when visibly developed.
Explanation of Terms Used in EntomologyJohn. B. Smith
Lana: wool: the long hair on the abdomen of some Lepidoptera.
Explanation of Terms Used in EntomologyJohn. B. Smith
Sagitta: arrow-like spots on the wings of Lepidoptera and other insects.
Explanation of Terms Used in EntomologyJohn. B. Smith
Word Origin and History for lepidoptera
Lepidoptera
n.
1773, "insects with four scaly wings," the biological classification that includes butterflies and moths, coined 1735 in Modern Latin by Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus (Karl von Linné, 1707-1778) from Greek lepido-, comb. form of lepis (genitive lepidos) "(fish) scale" (related to lepein "to peel;" see leper) + pteron "wing, feather" (see pterodactyl).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper