pyralid

[ pir-uh-lid ]

/ ˈpɪr ə lɪd /

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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 pŷrfire) + -idae-id²

Words nearby pyralid

pyosis, pyothorax, pyoureter, pyr-, pyracantha, pyralid, pyramid, pyramidal, pyramidal orchid, pyramidal peak, pyramidal tract

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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