tetrapterous

[ te-trap-ter-uhs ]

adjective
  1. Zoology. having four wings or winglike appendages.

  2. Botany. having four winglike appendages.

Origin of tetrapterous

1
From the Greek word tetrápteros, dating back to 1820–30. See tetra-, -pterous

Other words from tetrapterous

  • te·trap·ter·an, adjective, noun

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British Dictionary definitions for tetrapterous

tetrapterous

/ (tɛˈtræptərəs) /


adjective
  1. (of certain insects) having four wings

  2. biology having four winglike extensions or parts

Origin of tetrapterous

1
C19: from New Latin tetrapterus, from Greek tetrapteros, from tetra- + pteron wing

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012