First Known Use: 1771
Dictionary
coleoptera
noun plural co·le·op·tera \ˌkō-lē-ˈäp-tə-rə\
Definition of COLEOPTERA
: insects that are beetles
— co·le·op·ter·ist \-tə-rist\ noun
— co·le·op·ter·ous \-tə-rəs\ adjective
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Origin of COLEOPTERA
New Latin, ultimately from Greek koleon sheath + pteron wing — more at feather
Medical Dictionary
coleoptera
noun plural co·le·op·te·ra \ˌkō-lē-ˈäp-tə-rə\
Medical Definition of COLEOPTERA
1
capitalized : the largest order of insects comprising the beetles and weevils and being distinguished by a pair of forewings that are usually hard and rigid, are never used for flight, and serve as a protective covering for the delicate flight wings and the upper surface of the abdomen
2
: insects that are beetles
—co·le·op·te·ran \-rən\ noun or adjective
—co·le·op·te·rist \-rəst\ noun
—co·le·op·te·rous \-rəs\ adjective
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Next Word in the Dictionary: coleopteranPrevious Word in the Dictionary: ColeophoraAll Words Near: coleoptera
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