apterous

[ ap-ter-uhs ]

adjective
  1. Zoology. wingless, as some insects.

  2. Botany. without membranous expansions, as a stem.

Origin of apterous

1
First recorded in 1765–75, apterous is from the Greek word ápteros wingless. See a-6, -pterous

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British Dictionary definitions for apterous

apterous

/ (ˈæptərəs) /


adjective
  1. (of insects) without wings, as silverfish and springtails

  2. without winglike expansions, as some plant stems, seeds, and fruits

Origin of apterous

1
C18: from Greek apteros wingless, from a- 1 + pteron wing

Derived forms of apterous

  • apterism, noun

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