androconium

noun

an·​dro·​co·​ni·​um
plural androconia
-ēə
: any of certain modified scales associated with glandular structures on the forewings of the male of some butterflies and moths and concerned with the production of an odor attractive to members of the opposite sex

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from andr- + Greek konis dust + New Latin -ium

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of androconium was in 1876

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!

Dictionary Entries Near androconium

Cite this Entry

“Androconium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/androconium. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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