tetrapterous

[ te-trap-ter-uhs ]

adjective

1. Zoology. having four wings or winglike appendages.
2. Botany. having four winglike appendages.

tetrapterous

/ tɛˈtræptərəs /

adjective

1. (of certain insects) having four wings
2. biology having four winglike extensions or parts

Other Words From

• te·trapter·an adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tetrapterous¹

From the Greek word tetrápteros, dating back to 1820–30. See tetra-, -pterous

Word History and Origins

Origin of tetrapterous¹

C19: from New Latin tetrapterus, from Greek tetrapteros, from tetra- + pteron wing

Example Sentences

Radial spines stout, tetrapterous, prismatic, in the outer part longer than in the inner.

From Project Gutenberg

Radial spines tetrapterous, stout; the outer pyramidal half somewhat longer than the inner.

From Project Gutenberg