metalmark

noun

met·​al·​mark ˈme-tᵊl-ˌmärk How to pronounce metalmark (audio)
: any of a family (Riodinidae) of small or medium-sized usually brightly colored chiefly tropical butterflies that often have metallic coloration on the wings

Examples of metalmark in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Biologists already knew that metalmark larvae produce a nutritious goo and feed it to ants in exchange for their protection from predators. National Geographic, 15 June 2016 Biologists already knew that metalmark larvae produce a nutritious goo and feed it to ants in exchange for their protection from predators. National Geographic, 15 June 2016

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

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of metalmark was in 1889

Dictionary Entries Near metalmark

Cite this Entry

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

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