Gelechiidae

plural noun

Gel·​e·​chi·​idae
ˌjeləˈkīəˌdē
: a large family of small moths having slender wings with the outer margin of the hind wing usually concave and including important economic insects (as the pink bollworm, the Angoumois grain moth, and various leaf rollers)

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Gelechia, type genus (from Greek gēlechēs sleeping on the earth + New Latin -ia) + -idae

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near Gelechiidae

Cite this Entry

“Gelechiidae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Gelechiidae. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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