mantis
man·tis
noun \ˈman-təs\ plural man·tis·es also man·tes\ˈman-ˌtēz\
Definition of MANTIS
: any of an order or suborder (Mantodea and especially family Mantidae) of large usually green insects that feed on other insects and clasp their prey in forelimbs held up as if in prayer
See Illustration of MANTIS
Origin of MANTIS
New Latin, from Greek, literally, diviner, prophet; akin to Greek mainesthai to be mad — more at mania
First Known Use: 1646
Rhymes with MANTIS
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