Geotrupes

noun

Ge·​o·​tru·​pes

ˌjēō‧ˈtrü(ˌ)pēz

: a genus of bronze or black dung beetles that dig vertical tunnels in the soil and provision them with dung in which their larvae feed and grow

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, irregular from ge- + Greek trypē hole

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!