Porthetria

noun

Por·​thet·​ria
pȯ(r)ˈthe‧trēə
: a genus of Lymantriidae including the gypsy moth

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek porthein to destroy, ravage + -tria, feminine agent suffix; akin to Greek perthein to destroy, ravage

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near Porthetria

Cite this Entry

“Porthetria.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Porthetria. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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