lepidopterous

Variant of lepidopteran

lepidopteran definition

lepi·dop·teran (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

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

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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