Coleoptera

[ koh-lee-op-ter-uh, kol-ee- ]
/ ˌkoʊ liˈɒp tər ə, ˌkɒl i- /

noun

the order comprising the beetles.

Origin of Coleoptera

1755–65; < New Latin < Greek koleóptera, neuter plural of koleópteros sheath-winged, equivalent to koleo- (combining form representing koleón sheath, scabbard; see -o-) + -pteros -pterous; term used by Aristotle in describing beetles

Definition for coleoptera (2 of 2)

coleopteron
[ koh-lee-op-ter-uh n, kol-ee- ]
/ ˌkoʊ liˈɒp tər ən, ˌkɒl i- /

noun, plural co·le·op·ter·a [koh-lee-op-ter-uh, kol-ee-] /ˌkoʊ liˈɒp tər ə, ˌkɒl i-/.

a coleopterous insect; beetle.

Origin of coleopteron

1755–65; < New Latin < Greek: singular of Coleoptera

Example sentences from the Web for coleoptera