Lepidoptera

[lep-i-dop-ter-uh]

noun

the order comprising the lepidopterous insects.

Origin of Lepidoptera

1725–35; < New Latin; plural of lepidopteron

lepidopteron

[lep-i-dop-ter-uh n]

noun, plural lep·i·dop·ter·a [lep-i-dop-ter-uh] /ˌlɛp ɪˈdɒp tər ə/.

any lepidopterous insect.

Origin of lepidopteron

< New Latin, equivalent to lepido- lepido- + Greek -pteron, neuter of -pteros -pterous

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

Examples from the Web for lepidoptera

Historical Examples of lepidoptera

Lingua spiralis: the spiral tongue of Lepidoptera: see glossa.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology
John. B. Smith
Median shade or line: in Lepidoptera, crosses at or about middle of wings.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology
John. B. Smith
Lana: wool: the long hair on the abdomen of some Lepidoptera.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology
John. B. Smith
Palpuli: the maxillary palpi in Lepidoptera, when visibly developed.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology
John. B. Smith
Sagitta: arrow-like spots on the wings of Lepidoptera and other insects.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology
John. B. Smith

Word Origin and History for lepidoptera

Lepidoptera

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).