lepidopteran
[ lep-i-dop-ter-uhn ]
/ ˌlɛp ɪˈdɒp tər ən /
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adjective
noun
a lepidopterous insect.
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Origin of lepidopteran
First recorded in 1850–55; Lepidopter(a) + -an
OTHER WORDS FROM lepidopteran
non·lep·i·dop·ter·an, adjective, nounWords nearby lepidopteran
lepidic, lepido-, lepidocrocite, lepidolite, Lepidoptera, lepidopteran, lepidopterist, lepidopterology, lepidopteron, lepidopterous, lepidosiren
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
British Dictionary definitions for lepidopteran
lepidopteran
/ (ˌlɛpɪˈdɒptərən) /
noun Also: lepidopteron plural -terans or -tera (-tərə)
any of numerous insects of the order Lepidoptera, typically having two pairs of wings covered with fragile scales, mouthparts specialized as a suctorial proboscis, and caterpillars as larvae: comprises the butterflies and moths
adjective Also: lepidopterous
of, relating to, or belonging to the order Lepidoptera
Word Origin for lepidopteran
C19: from New Latin lepidoptera, from lepido- + Greek pteron wing
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Scientific definitions for lepidopteran
lepidopteran
[ lĕp′ĭ-dŏp′tər-ən ]
Any of various insects of the order Lepidoptera, characterized by four large, flat, membranous wings covered with small scales. The larvae of lepidopterans are caterpillars. Lepidopterans include butterflies, moths, and skippers.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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