haltere

noun hal·tere \ˈhȯl-ˌtir, ˈhal-\

plural hal·teres \ˈhȯl-ˌtirz, ˈhal-; hȯl-ˈtir-ēz, hal-\

Definition of HALTERE

: one of a pair of club-shaped organs in a dipteran fly that are the modified second pair of wings and function as sensory flight stabilizers

See haltere defined for kids

New Latin halter, from Latin, jumping weight, from Greek haltēr, from hallesthai to leap — more at sally

First Known Use: circa 1823

Next Word in the Dictionary: HalteridiumPrevious Word in the Dictionary: halterbreakAll Words Near: haltere

What made you want to look up haltere? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears