hemipteran

noun

he·​mip·​ter·​an hi-ˈmip-tə-rən How to pronounce hemipteran (audio)
: any of a large order (Hemiptera) of hemimetabolous insects (such as the true bugs) that have hemelytra and mouthparts adapted to piercing and sucking
hemipterous adjective

Examples of hemipteran in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Lycorma delicatula is a hemipteran, part of a diverse order of insects that includes stink bugs, bedbugs, and cicadas. Curbed, 27 Sep. 2022

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Greek hēmi- + pteron wing — more at feather

First Known Use

circa 1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hemipteran was circa 1864

Dictionary Entries Near hemipteran

Cite this Entry

“Hemipteran.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hemipteran. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

hemipteran

noun
he·​mip·​ter·​an hi-ˈmip-tə-rən How to pronounce hemipteran (audio)
: any of a large order of insects (as the true bugs) having flattened bodies, two pairs of wings, and heads with piercing and sucking organs
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