orthopteran

noun

or·​thop·​ter·​an ȯr-ˈthäp-tə-rən How to pronounce orthopteran (audio)
: any of an order (Orthoptera) of insects (such as crickets and grasshoppers) characterized by biting mouthparts, two pairs of wings or none, enlarged hind femurs, and an incomplete metamorphosis
orthopteran adjective
orthopterist
ȯr-ˈthäp-tə-rist How to pronounce orthopteran (audio)
noun
orthopteroid
ȯr-ˈthäp-tə-ˌrȯid How to pronounce orthopteran (audio)
noun or adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Orthoptera

First Known Use

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of orthopteran was circa 1842

Dictionary Entries Near orthopteran

orthopteral

orthopteran

Orthopteroidea

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Orthopteran.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orthopteran. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

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More from Merriam-Webster on orthopteran

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about orthopteran

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