Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Anisoptera

plural noun
An·​isop·​tera | \ ˌaˌnīˈsäptərə\

Definition of Anisoptera

: a suborder of Odonata comprising the dragonflies that are larger stouter members of the order, hold the wings horizontally in repose, and have rectal gills during the naiad stage — compare zygoptera

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of Anisoptera

1831, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for Anisoptera

New Latin, from anis- entry 1 + -ptera

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about Anisoptera

Statistics for Anisoptera

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for Anisoptera

The first known use of Anisoptera was in 1831

See more words from the same year

Comments on Anisoptera

What made you want to look up Anisoptera? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

nosegay

Listen to the pronounciation of nosegay

a small bunch of flowers

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Farm Idioms Quiz

  • cow coming home
  • What does 'poke' refer to in the expression 'pig in a poke'?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Add Diction

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games