Definitions

praying mantis

 Play pray·ing mantis
mantis

Origin of praying mantis

so called because the forelegs are often held up and together, suggestive of prayer


praying mantis

noun

A mantis, especially the European species Mantis religiosa, which while at rest folds its front legs as if in prayer.

praying mantis

praying mantis

Mantis religiosa


praying-mantis

Noun

(plural praying mantises or praying mantes)

  1. Any of various predatory, cannibalistic insects of the family Mantidae that have a prayer-like stance.
  2. (regional, in Europe) A mantid of the species Mantis religiosa.
Origin

Mantis from Greek μάντις (mántis). Named "praying mantis" for their stance, whith "hands" held together, resembling a person praying.


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Words near praying mantis in the dictionary


  • praying
  • praying-mantes
  • praying-mantid
  • praying-mantids
  • praying mantis
  • praying-mantises
  • prayingly
  • prayings
  • prays
  • praytell

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