Bombycidae

plural noun

Bom·​byc·​i·​dae
bämˈbisəˌdē
: a family of chiefly Asian moderate-sized moths having larvae that feed on leaves and spin cocoons of commercially usable silk and including the domesticated silkworms (genus Bombyx) and a few related forms but formerly including many other moths

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from Bombyc-, Bombyx, bombyx + -idae -idae

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Cite this Entry

“Bombycidae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Bombycidae. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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