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 noun
orthopteroid 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

Cite this Entry

“Orthopteran.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orthopteran. Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on orthopteran

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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