lep·i·dop·ter·an (l p  -d p t r-n)n. An insect belonging to the large order Lepidoptera, which includes the butterflies and moths, characterized by four membranous wings covered with small scales. [From New Latin Lepidoptera, order name : lepido- + Greek ptera, pl. of pteron, wing, winged creature; see -pter.] lep i·dopter·an, lepi·dopter·ous adj. |
lepidopteran [ˌlɛpɪˈdɒptərən]
n pl -terans, -tera [-tərə] also lepidopteron
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Animals) any of numerous insects of the order Lepidoptera, typically having two pairs of wings covered with fragile scales, mouthparts specialized as a suctorial proboscis, and caterpillars as larvae: comprises the butterflies and moths
adj also lepidopterous
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) of, relating to, or belonging to the order Lepidoptera
[from New Latin lepidoptera, from lepido- + Greek pteron wing]
| lepidopteran (lp-dptr-n) Any of various insects of the order Lepidoptera, characterized by four large, flat, membranous wings covered with small scales. The larvae of lepidopterans are caterpillars. Lepidopterans include butterflies, moths, and skippers. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  lepidopteran - insect that in the adult state has four wings more or less covered with tiny scalesinsect - small air-breathing arthropod Lepidoptera, order Lepidoptera - moths and butterflies butterfly - diurnal insect typically having a slender body with knobbed antennae and broad colorful wings moth - typically crepuscular or nocturnal insect having a stout body and feathery or hairlike antennae |
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