chironomid

noun

chi·​ron·​o·​mid kī-ˈrä-nə-məd 

: any of a family (Chironomidae) of midges that lack piercing mouthparts

chironomid adjective

Examples of chironomid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This disturbance can evict some invertebrates, like chironomids, from streambed homes, but favor persistence of others, like blackfly larvae, which spin silken tethers to affirm their rocky grip in fast-flowing waters. —Lesley Evans Ogden, Discover Magazine, 7 Apr. 2023

What happens in the stream and beside it is tightly linked, Milner found: Willow catkins are food for caddis flies, and alder roots provide chironomids with safe homes. —Lesley Evans Ogden, Discover Magazine, 7 Apr. 2023

First detected in the stream after the stream mouth emerged from glacial ice were larvae of chironomids, cold-loving midges. —Lesley Evans Ogden, Discover Magazine, 7 Apr. 2023

Blood midges, leeches, chironomids are the most common offerings. —sacbee, 24 Oct. 2017

Anglers have had success from the North and South boat ramps using channel scuds, chironomids, and egg patterns. —Colorado Parks & Wildlife, The Denver Post, 21 May 2017

Spinney Reservoir There have been rainbow trout in the 20- to 24-inch range being caught at both ramps on scud, chironomid, and egg patterns. —Colorado Parks & Wildlife, The Denver Post, 7 May 2017

Try these fly-fishing tips from a pro: East and Paulina lakes: Beetles, black ants, chironomids (into July) and callibaetis mayflies on floating lines near shorelines; leech and streamers in deeper water on sink-tip lines. —Bill Monroe, OregonLive.com, 9 June 2017

There have been rainbow trout in the 20 to 24 inch range being caught at both ramps on scud, chironomid, and egg patterns. —Colorado Parks & Wildlife, The Denver Post, 2 May 2017

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Greek cheironomos one who gestures with his hands

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above