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.

Nearby words

pyourachus, pyoureter, pyr-, pyracanth, pyracantha, pyralid, pyramid, pyramid bet, pyramid letter, pyramid of light, pyramid of medulla oblongata

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

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

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