phasmid

[ faz-mid ]

noun

1. any insect of the order Phasmida, comprising the walking sticks and leaf insects.

adjective

1. of or relating to the phasmids.

phasmid

/ ˈfæzmɪd /

noun

1. any plant-eating insect of the mainly tropical order Phasmida: includes the leaf insects and stick insects

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the order Phasmida

Word History and Origins

Origin of phasmid¹

1870–75; < New Latin Phasmida the order name, equivalent to Phasm ( a ) the type genus (< Greek phásma apparition, so named from their extremely close resemblance to surrounding plants) + -ida -id ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of phasmid¹

C19: from New Latin Phasmida, from Greek phasma spectre

Example Sentences

The Phasmid or Walking-sticks are herbivorous and may be collected in the midst of vegetation by sweeping or by the hand.

From Project Gutenberg

Phyllium, fil′i-um, n. a genus of orthopterous insects of family Phasmid—leaf-insects or walking-leaves.

From Project Gutenberg

We may remark that no species of Phasmid are known to inhabit the British Isles.

From Project Gutenberg

Prothoracic glands: occur in Orthoptera, on the sides of prothorax in certain Phasmid genera.

From Project Gutenberg