pyralid

[ pir-uh-lid ]
/ ˈpɪr ə lɪd /

noun

any of numerous slender-bodied moths of the family Pyralidae, having elongated triangular forewings, and in the larval phase including many crop pests.

adjective

belonging or pertaining to the family Pyralidae.

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Origin of pyralid

1580–90; < New Latin Pyralidae, equivalent to Pyral(is) type genus (< Latin pyralis < Greek pyralís an insect thought to live in fire; akin to pŷr fire) + -idae -id2

Words nearby pyralid

pyothorax, pyourachus, pyoureter, pyr-, pyracantha, pyralid, pyramid, pyramid bet, pyramid letter, pyramid of light, pyramid of medulla oblongata
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for pyralid

pyralid
/ (ˈpɪrəlɪd) /

noun

any moth of the mostly tropical family Pyralidae, typically having narrow forewings and broad fringed hind wings: includes the bee moths and the corn borer

adjective

of, relating to, or belonging to the family Pyralidae

Word Origin for pyralid

C19: via New Latin from Greek puralis: a mythical winged insect believed to live in fire, from pur fire
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