plecopteran

[ pli-kop-ter-uhn ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

Also ple·copter·ous. belonging or pertaining to the insect order Plecoptera, comprising the stoneflies.

noun

a plecopteran insect; stonefly.

plecopteran

/ plĭ-kŏp′tər-ən /

Any of various insects of the order Plecoptera, having two pairs of large wings, long antennae, and chewing mouthparts. Plecopterans cannot fly well, and generally have dull coloring that allows them to blend in with their surroundings. Plecopteran nymphs can live up to four years before turning into adults. The stoneflies are plecopterans.

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of plecopteran¹

1885–90; < New Latin Plecopter ( a ) the order (< Greek plék ( ein ) to twine, twist + -o- -o- + -ptera, neuter plural of -pteros -pterous ) + -an; so named in reference to the reticulated wings, which twist back upon themselves when the insect is resting

Word of the Day

April 20, 2024flabbergast

[flab-er-gast ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

plebs plectognath

Browse