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lepidopteran

(lep′ə däp′tər ən)

noun

any of a large order (Lepidoptera) of insects, consisting of the butterflies and moths, characterized by two pairs of broad, membranous wings covered with very fine scales, often brightly colored: the larvae are caterpillars

Origin: < ModL Lepidoptera (see lepido- & -pterous) + -an

Related Forms:

lepidopterous adjective

See lepidopteran in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

An insect belonging to the large order Lepidoptera, which includes the butterflies and moths, characterized by four membranous wings covered with small scales.

Origin:

Origin: From New Latin Lepidoptera, order name

Origin: : lepido-

Origin: + Greek ptera

Origin: , pl. of pteron, wing, winged creature; see -pter

Related Forms: