oribatid

noun

orib·​a·​tid ȯ-ˈri-bə-təd  ˌȯr-ə-ˈba-təd 

: any of a superfamily (Oribatoidea) of small oval eyeless nonparasitic mites having a heavily sclerotized integument with a leathery appearance

oribatid adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Oribatidae (coextensive with Oribatoidea), from Oribata, genus name, from Greek oribatēs walking the mountains, from oros mountain + -batēs, from bainein to go — more at orient entry 2, come

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

oribatid

noun

orib·​a·​tid ȯ-ˈrib-ət-əd  ˌȯr-ə-ˈbat-əd 

: any of a superfamily (Oribatoidea) of small oval eyeless nonparasitic mites having a heavily sclerotized integument with a leathery appearance

oribatid adjective