mantis

[ man-tis ]

/ ˈmæn tɪs /

noun, plural man·tis·es, man·tes [man-teez] /ˈmæn tiz/.

any of several predaceous insects of the order Mantidae, having a long prothorax and typically holding the forelegs in an upraised position as if in prayer.

Nearby words

Also mantid.

Origin of mantis

1650–60; < New Latin < Greek mántis prophet, kind of insect; akin to mania

Also called praying mantis.

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

Examples from the Web for mantis

An ex-wife of one of her conquests had even described her as a “praying mantis with a terminator smile”.
France: Carla Bruni-Sarkozy Advises Valerie Trierweiler to Marry|The Telegraph|October 26, 2012|DAILY BEAST
A few days later, Hafernik found more bees, and again fed them to the mantis.
When ‘Zombees’ Attack|Winston Ross|October 11, 2012|DAILY BEAST
These particular captures are destined to show me just how far the vigour and audacity of the Mantis will lead it.
Social Life in the Insect World|J. H. Fabre
Poised upright in its spectral attitude, the mantis was literally flung backward.
The Forgotten Planet|Murray Leinster

The mantis closed its arm-like forelegs upon it, holding it as if piously and benignly contemplating it.
Planet of Dread|Murray Leinster
And the mantis suddenly sat up and appeared to engage in prayer.
Notwithstanding|Mary Cholmondeley
The Mantis builds more especially with air, which is eminently adapted to protect the nest against changes of temperature.
Social Life in the Insect World|J. H. Fabre

British Dictionary definitions for mantis

mantis

/ (ˈmæntɪs) /

noun plural -tises or -tes (-tiːz)

any carnivorous typically green insect of the family Mantidae, of warm and tropical regions, having a long body and large eyes and resting with the first pair of legs raised as if in prayer: order DictyopteraAlso called: praying mantis See also cockroach

Word Origin for mantis

C17: New Latin, from Greek: prophet, alluding to its praying posture

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for mantis

mantis

1650s, "type of insect that holds its forelegs in a praying position" (especially the praying mantis, Mantis religiosa), Modern Latin, from Greek mantis, literally "one who divines, a seer, prophet," from mainesthai "be inspired," related to menos "passion, spirit" (see mania). The insect so called for its way of holding the forelimbs as if in prayer. Also used in Greek for some sort of grasshopper (Theocritus).