Main Entry: lep·i·dop·tera

Pronunciation: \ˌlep-ə-ˈdäp-tə-rə\

Function: noun plural

1 capitalized : a large order of insects comprising the butterflies, moths, and skippers that as adults have four broad or lanceolate wings usually covered with overlapping and often brightly colored scales and that as larvae are caterpillars
2 : insects of the order Lepidoptera

—lep·i·dop·ter·an \-rən\ noun or adjective

—lep·i·dop·ter·ous \-tə-rəs\ adjective