Machilidae

plural noun

Ma·​chil·​i·​dae

məˈkiləˌdē

: a cosmopolitan family of primitive insects (order Thysanura) with dorsally convex body, contiguous compound eyes, and three ocelli

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Machilis, type genus + -idae

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!