[mi-kop-ter-uh
s] 
| belonging or pertaining to the insect order Mecoptera, comprising the scorpionflies and hangingflies. |
| me·cop·ter·an (mĭ-kŏp'tər-ən) n. Any of various carnivorous insects of the order Mecoptera, which includes the scorpion flies, characterized by long membranous wings and an elongated beaklike head having chewing mouthparts at the tip. [From New Latin Mēcoptera, order name : Greek mēkos, length; see māk- in Indo-European roots + Greek ptera, pl. of pteron, wing; see pet- in Indo-European roots.] me·cop'ter·ous adj. |