aptera

1 of 2

noun

"
plural apterae
-əˌrē
: a wingless parthenogenetic female aphid that lives on the definitive host plants producing other generations of like aphids and later a generation of alates

Aptera

2 of 2

plural noun

Ap·​tera
ˈaptərə
1
in former classifications : an order comprising various wingless arthropods (such as spiders, centipedes, and certain insects)
2
in some modern classifications
a
: an order of insects coextensive with Entotrophi
b
: an order of insects coextensive with Apterygota
apteran
-rən
adjective or noun

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin, from Greek apterē, feminine of apteros

Plural noun

New Latin, from Greek, neuter plural of apteros

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Cite this Entry

“Aptera.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aptera. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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