First Known Use: circa 1842
Dictionary
hymenopteran
noun hy·me·nop·ter·an \ˌhī-mə-ˈnäp-tə-rən\
Definition of HYMENOPTERAN
: any of an order (Hymenoptera) of highly specialized insects with complete metamorphosis that include the bees, wasps, ants, ichneumon flies, sawflies, gall wasps, and related forms, often associate in large colonies with complex social organization, and have usually four membranous wings and the abdomen generally borne on a slender pedicel
— hymenopteran adjective
— hy·me·nop·ter·ous \-rəs\ adjective
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Origin of HYMENOPTERAN
New Latin Hymenoptera, from Greek, neuter plural of hymenopteros membrane-winged, from hymēn + pteron wing — more at feather
Medical Dictionary
hymenopteran
noun hy·me·nop·ter·an \-tə-rən\
Medical Definition of HYMENOPTERAN
: any insect of the order Hymenoptera
—hymenopteran adjective
—hy·me·nop·ter·ous \-tə-rəs\ adjective
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