First Known Use: circa 1901
Dictionary
lepidopteran
noun lep·i·dop·ter·an \-rən\
Definition of LEPIDOPTERAN
: any of a large order (Lepidoptera) of insects comprising the butterflies, moths, and skippers that as adults have four broad or lanceolate wings usually covered with minute overlapping and often brightly colored scales and that as larvae are caterpillars
— lepidopteran adjective
— lep·i·dop·ter·ous \-tə-rəs\ adjective
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Origin of LEPIDOPTERAN
New Latin Lepidoptera, from lepid- + Greek pteron wing — more at feather
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