1 lepidoptera | Definition of lepidoptera
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lepidoptera

plural noun
lep路​i路​dop路​tera | \ 藢le-p蓹-藞d盲p-t蓹-r蓹 How to pronounce lepidoptera (audio) \

Definition of lepidoptera

: insects that are lepidopterans
Other Words from lepidoptera Example Sentences Learn More about lepidoptera

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Examples of lepidoptera in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Most moths are nocturnal; butterflies are essentially moths that have evolved to be diurnal, or active during the day, says Robert Robbins, a curator of lepidoptera at the National Museum of Natural History. — Anna Diamond, Smithsonian, "What鈥檚 the Difference Between Moths and Butterflies and More Questions From Our Readers," 19 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lepidoptera.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of lepidoptera

circa 1773, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for lepidoptera

lepidoptera

noun plural
lep路​i路​dop路​tera | \ 藢lep-蓹-藞d盲p-t蓹-r蓹 How to pronounce lepidoptera (audio) \

Medical Definition of lepidoptera

1 capitalized : a large order of insects comprising the butterflies, moths, and skippers that as adults have four broad or lanceolate wings usually covered with overlapping and often brightly colored scales and that as larvae are caterpillars
2 : insects of the order Lepidoptera

Other Words from lepidoptera

lepidopteran \ -​r蓹n How to pronounce lepidopteran (audio) \ noun or adjective
lepidopterous \ -​t蓹-​r蓹s How to pronounce lepidopterous (audio) \ adjective

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