1 phasmid | Definition of phasmid

phasmid

noun
phas·​mid | \ ˈfaz-mÉ™d How to pronounce phasmid (audio) \

Definition of phasmid

: any of an order (Phasmatodea synonym Phasmida) of large cylindrical or sometimes flattened chiefly tropical insects (such as a walking stick) that have long legs, strictly phytophagous habits, and incomplete metamorphosis and that include forms resembling leaves or twigs

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from phasmid

phasmid adjective

Examples of phasmid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some lost species, including the phasmid, have subsequently been rediscovered on surrounding islets. John Pickrell, Science | AAAS, "Mass rodent poisoning on this remote Australian island could bring back giant stick insect," 5 June 2019

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

First Known Use of phasmid

1864, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for phasmid

New Latin Phasmida, group name, from Phasma, type genus, from Greek, apparition, from phainein to show — more at fancy

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for phasmid

phasmid

noun
phas·​mid | \ ˈfas-mid How to pronounce phasmid (audio) \

Medical Definition of phasmid

: either of the paired lateral postanal organs characteristic of most parasitic nematodes and usually regarded as chemoreceptors — see phasmidia

More from Merriam-Webster on phasmid

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about phasmid