instar

noun

in·​star ˈin-ˌstär How to pronounce instar (audio)
: a stage in the life of an arthropod (such as an insect) between two successive molts
also : an individual in a specified instar

Examples of instar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web After running through its allotment of instars, a caterpillar ceases to be itself and becomes a pupa. Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2023 After the fourth instar, the nymphs molt into adults about an inch long. Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2022 The fourth instar of the insect is bright red with black and white markings, Indiana DNR officials said. Sarah Brookbank, The Enquirer, 27 July 2021 After shedding their final instar, insects that experience complete metamorphosis become pupae. Liz Langley, National Geographic, 11 Aug. 2020 Each stage of molting is called an instar, and some insects molt up to five times before moving onto the next stage. Liz Langley, National Geographic, 11 Aug. 2020 There are five instars (that is, stages of development resulting in skin shedding) of the nymphs. Margaret Lauterbach, idahostatesman, 26 Apr. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'instar.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, equivalent

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of instar was in 1895

Cite this Entry

“Instar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instar. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

instar

noun
in·​star ˈin-ˌstär How to pronounce instar (audio)
: a stage in the life of an arthropod (as an insect) between two successive molts
also : an individual in a specified instar

More from Merriam-Webster on instar

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