SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

Mecoptera

plural noun
Save Word
Me·​cop·​tera | \ məˈkäptərə \

Definition of Mecoptera

: an order of primitive carnivorous insects usually having membranous heavily veined wings, a long beak with biting mouthparts at the tip, and larvae that live in soil and including the scorpion flies and hanging flies

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!

Other Words from Mecoptera

mecopteran \ -​tərən \ noun, plural -s
mecopterous \ -​t(ə)rəs \ adjective

History and Etymology for Mecoptera

New Latin, from mec- + -ptera

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about Mecoptera

Statistics for Mecoptera

Cite this Entry

“Mecoptera.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Mecoptera. Accessed 4 Mar. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLA Chicago APA Merriam-Webster

Comments on Mecoptera

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

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

smorgasbord

Listen to the pronunciation of smorgasbord

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

February 2021 Words of the Day Quiz

  • squirrel in winter
  • Which is a synonym of perdure?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Typeshift

Anagram puzzles meet word search.

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