hymenopteran

noun

hy·​me·​nop·​ter·​an ˌhī-mə-ˈnäp-tə-rən 

: 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

ˌhī-mə-ˈnäp-tə-rəs 

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

Kids Definition

hymenopteran

noun

hy·​me·​nop·​ter·​an ˌhī-mə-ˈnäp-tə-rən 

: 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

-rəs 

adjective

Medical Definition

hymenopteran

noun

hy·​me·​nop·​ter·​an -tə-rən 

: any insect of the order Hymenoptera

hymenopteran adjective

hymenopterous

-tə-rəs 

adjective