macrolepidoptera

plural noun

mac·​ro·​lep·​i·​dop·​tera ˈma-krō-ˌle-pə-ˈdäp-tə-rə How to pronounce macrolepidoptera (audio)
: lepidoptera (such as butterflies, skippers, saturniids, and noctuids) that include most of the large forms and none of the minute ones

Word History

Etymology

macro- + lepidoptera

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of macrolepidoptera was in 1871

Dictionary Entries Near macrolepidoptera

Cite this Entry

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!