Lampyridae

plural noun

Lam·​pyr·​i·​dae

lamˈpirəˌdē

: a family of beetles of medium or small size having usually an elongate form and rather soft wing covers which do not clasp the sides of the abdomen and including many nocturnal species with luminous organs as well as some species with wingless females see cantharidae , glowworm

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Lampyris, type genus + -idae

The Ultimate Dicitonary 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