coleoptera

plural noun

co·​le·​op·​tera ˌkō-lē-ˈäp-tə-rə 

: insects that are beetles

coleopterist

ˌkō-lē-ˈäp-tə-rist 

noun

coleopterous

ˌkō-lē-ˈäp-tə-rəs 

adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, ultimately from Greek koleon sheath + pteron wing — more at feather

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

coleoptera

plural noun

co·​le·​op·​tera ˌkō-lē-ˈäp-tə-rə 

: insects that are beetles

Medical Definition

coleoptera

noun plural

co·​le·​op·​te·​ra ˌkō-lē-ˈäp-tə-rə 

1

capitalized : the largest order of insects comprising the beetles and weevils and being distinguished by a pair of forewings that are usually hard and rigid, are never used for flight, and serve as a protective covering for the delicate flight wings and the upper surface of the abdomen

2

: insects that are beetles

coleopteran

-rən 

noun or adjective

coleopterist

-rəst 

noun

coleopterous

-rəs 

adjective