Pteromalidae

plural noun

Pter·​o·​mal·​i·​dae
ˌterəˈmaləˌdē
: a large family of chalcid flies having larvae that are parasitic on the larvae of other insects (as of the orders Lepidoptera and Coleoptera) and some that are hyperparasites

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Pteromalus, type genus (from pter- + Greek homalos even, level) + -idae; akin to Greek homos same

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!

Dictionary Entries Near Pteromalidae

Cite this Entry

“Pteromalidae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Pteromalidae. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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