Main Entry: man·tis

Pronunciation: \ˈman-təs\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural man·tis·es also man·tes \ˈman-ˌtēz\

Etymology: New Latin, from Greek, literally, diviner, prophet; akin to Greek mainesthai to be mad — more at mania

Date: 1646

: 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

[mantis illustration]