hymenopteran

noun

hy·​me·​nop·​ter·​an ˌhī-mə-ˈnäp-tə-rən How to pronounce hymenopteran (audio)
: any of an order (Hymenoptera) of highly specialized insects with complete metamorphosis that include the bees, wasps, ants, ichneumon flies, sawflies, gall wasps, and related forms, often associate in large colonies with complex social organization, and have usually four membranous wings and the abdomen generally borne on a slender pedicel
hymenopteran adjective
hymenopterous adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Hymenoptera, from Greek, neuter plural of hymenopteros membrane-winged, from hymēn + pteron wing — more at feather

First Known Use

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hymenopteran was circa 1842

Dictionary Entries Near hymenopteran

Cite this Entry

“Hymenopteran.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hymenopteran. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

hymenopteran

noun
hy·​me·​nop·​ter·​an ˌhī-mə-ˈnäp-tə-rən How to pronounce hymenopteran (audio)
: any of an order of highly specialized and often colonial insects (as bees, wasps, and ants) that have usually four thin transparent wings and the abdomen on a slender stalk
hymenopteran adjective
hymenopterous adjective

Medical Definition

hymenopteran

noun
hy·​me·​nop·​ter·​an -tə-rən How to pronounce hymenopteran (audio)
: any insect of the order Hymenoptera
hymenopteran adjective
hymenopterous adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on hymenopteran

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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