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coleopteran

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(kō′lē äp′tər ən, käl′ē-)

noun

beetle (sense 1)

Origin: < ModL Coleoptera (< Gr koleopteros, sheath-winged < koleos, sheath + pteron, wing: see feather) + -an

Related Forms:

coleopterous adjective

See coleopteran in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Any of numerous insects of the order Coleoptera, characterized by forewings modified to form tough protective covers for the membranous hind wings and including the beetles, weevils, and fireflies.

adjective

Of, relating to, or belonging to the order Coleoptera.

Origin:

Origin: From New Latin Coleoptera, order name

Origin: , from Greek koleopteros, sheath-winged

Origin: : koleon, sheath; see kel-¹ in Indo-European roots

Origin: + pteron, wing; see pet- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms:

coˌle·opˈter·ous (-tər-əs) adjective

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