1 hymenoptera | Definition of hymenoptera

hymenopteran

noun
hy·​me·​nop·​ter·​an | \ ËŒhÄ«-mÉ™-ˈnäp-tÉ™-rÉ™n How to pronounce hymenopteran (audio) \

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

Other Words from hymenopteran

hymenopteran adjective
hymenopterous \ ËŒhÄ«-​mÉ™-​ˈnäp-​tÉ™-​rÉ™s How to pronounce hymenopterous (audio) \ adjective

First Known Use of hymenopteran

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for hymenopteran

New Latin Hymenoptera, from Greek, neuter plural of hymenopteros membrane-winged, from hymēn + pteron wing — more at feather

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More Definitions for hymenopteran

hymenopteran

noun
hy·​me·​nop·​ter·​an | \ -tÉ™-rÉ™n How to pronounce hymenopteran (audio) \

Medical Definition of hymenopteran

: any insect of the order Hymenoptera

Other Words from hymenopteran

hymenopteran adjective
hymenopterous \ -​tÉ™-​rÉ™s How to pronounce hymenopterous (audio) \ adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on hymenopteran

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hymenopteran