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dipterous

 - 4 dictionary results

dip⋅ter⋅ous

  [dip-ter-uhs]
Use dipterous in a Sentence
–adjective
1. Entomology. belonging or pertaining to the order Diptera, comprising the houseflies, mosquitoes, and gnats, characterized by a single, anterior pair of membranous wings with the posterior pair reduced to small, knobbed structures.
2. Botany. having two winglike appendages, as seeds or stems.
Origin:
1765–75; < NL dipterus < Gk dípteros; see Diptera, -ous
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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dip·ter·ous   (dĭp'tər-əs)   
adj.  

  1. Of, relating to, or belonging to the Diptera, a large order of insects that includes the true flies and mosquitoes, characterized by a single pair of membranous wings and a pair of club-shaped balancing organs.

  2. Having two wings, as certain insects, or winglike appendages, as certain fruits and seeds: the dipterous fruit of the maple.


[From New Latin Diptera, order name, from Greek dipteros, having two wings : di-, two; see di-1 + pteron, wing; see -pter.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Medical Dictionary

dipterous dip·ter·ous (dĭp'tər-əs)
adj.

  1. Of or characteristic of insects of the order Diptera.

  2. Having two wings or winglike appendages.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Science Dictionary
dipteran   (dĭp'tər-ən)  Pronunciation Key 
Any of various insects of the order Diptera, characterized by a single pair of membranous wings, a pair of club-shaped balancing organs, and large compound eyes. Dipterans include the flies, mosquitoes, midges, and gnats.

dipterous adjective
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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