coleoptera

co·le·op·tera

noun plural \ˌkō-lē-ˈäp-tə-rə\

Definition of COLEOPTERA

:  insects that are beetles

— co·le·op·ter·ist \-tə-rist\ noun

— co·le·op·ter·ous \-tə-rəs\ adjective

Origin of COLEOPTERA

New Latin, ultimately from Greek koleon sheath + pteron wing — more at feather

First Known Use: 1771

co·le·op·te·ra

noun plural \ˌkō-lē-ˈäp-tə-rə\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of COLEOPTERA

1

capitalized : the largest order of insects comprising the beetles and weevils and being distinguished by a pair of forewings that are usually hard and rigid, are never used for flight, and serve as a protective covering for the delicate flight wings and the upper surface of the abdomen

2

: insects that are beetles

—co·le·op·te·ran \-rən\ noun or adjective

—co·le·op·te·rist \-rəst\ noun

—co·le·op·te·rous \-rəs\ adjective