Lepidoptera

[ lep-i-dop-ter-uh ]

/ ˌlɛp ɪˈdɒp tər ə /

|

noun

the order comprising the lepidopterous insects.

Origin of Lepidoptera

1725–35; < New Latin; plural of lepidopteron

Definition for lepidoptera (2 of 2)

lepidopteron

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

/ ˌlɛp ɪˈdɒp tər ən /

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

Frenatae: that series of Lepidoptera in which a more or less well- marked frenulum occurs.
Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology|John. B. Smith
Of much interest is the variety displayed among the Lepidoptera in the season and the duration of the various instars.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 16, Slice 4|Various
The Coleoptera and the Lepidoptera form the glory of all great collections for their size and magnificence.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 15, Slice 3|Various
The two species of Lepidoptera examined have an equal pair of heterochromosomes.
Studies in Spermatogenesis|Nettie Maria Stevens

They are lepidoptera which have antennæ which are other than club-shaped.
The Butterfly Book|William Jacob Holland