neuropteran

1 of 2

noun

neu·​rop·​ter·​an nu̇-ˈräp-tə-rən How to pronounce neuropteran (audio)
nyu̇-
: any of an order (Neuroptera) of insects usually with highly veined wings that include the lacewings and ant lions
neuropteran adjective
neuropterous adjective

Neuroptera

2 of 2

plural noun

Neu·​rop·​tera
-tərə
: an order of usually net-winged insects that have holometabolous development and that include the lacewings, ant lions, and related insects see megaloptera
neuropteran adjective or noun
neuropterous adjective

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin Neuroptera, order name (from Greek neûron "sinew, tendon, nerve" + -o- -o- + -ptera, neuter plural of -pteros "having wings [of the given kind]," adjective derivative of pterón "feather, wing") + -an entry 1 — more at nerve entry 1, feather entry 1

Plural noun

New Latin, from neur- + -ptera

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neuropteran was circa 1842

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Cite this Entry

“Neuropteran.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neuropteran. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

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