braconid

noun

brac·​o·​nid ˈbra-kə-(ˌ)nid How to pronounce braconid (audio)
: any of a large family (Braconidae) of small, usually black or brown, parasitoid, hymenopterous insects related to the ichneumon wasp that have a relatively short abdomen and are parasitic chiefly on the larvae of aphids, beetles, moths, and butterflies
braconid adjective

Examples of braconid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The braconid has evolved to subvert this strategy and slide down the thread in pursuit of the caterpillar. Brooke Jarvis, WIRED, 10 Nov. 2022 Don't destroy those covered with tiny white cocoons; these contain the parasitic offspring of the beneficial braconid wasp. The Editors, Good Housekeeping, 27 July 2018

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Greek brachys

First Known Use

circa 1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of braconid was circa 1893

Dictionary Entries Near braconid

Cite this Entry

“Braconid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/braconid. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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