hymenopteran
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.


hy·me·nop·ter·an

noun \ˌhī-mə-ˈnäp-tə-rən\

Definition of HYMENOPTERAN

: any of an order (Hymenoptera) of highly specialized insects with complete metamorphosis that include the bees, wasps, ants, ichneumon flies, sawflies, gall wasps, and related forms, often associate in large colonies with complex social organization, and have usually four membranous wings and the abdomen generally borne on a slender pedicel
hymenopteran adjective
hy·me·nop·ter·ous \-rəs\ adjective

Origin of HYMENOPTERAN

New Latin Hymenoptera, from Greek, neuter plural of hymenopteros membrane-winged, from hymēn + pteron wing — more at feather
First Known Use: circa 1842

hy·me·nop·ter·an

noun \-tə-rən\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of HYMENOPTERAN

: any insect of the order Hymenoptera
hymenopteran adjective
hy·me·nop·ter·ous \-tə-rəs\ (audio pronunciation) adjective

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: hymenopterist
Previous Word in the Dictionary: hymenopter
All Words Near: hymenopteran

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up hymenopteran? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Name That Thing

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

Get Our Free Apps
Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More
Join Us on FB & Twitter
Get the Word of the Day and More