Aleyrodidae

plural noun

Al·​ey·​rod·​i·​dae
ˌa-lə-ˈrä-də-ˌdē
: a family of minute homopterous insects winged as adults with the body and wings covered with a white powdery wax, the larvae being initially motile but after the first molt resembling unarmored scales and, like these, feeding on plant juices compare citrus whitefly, greenhouse whitefly

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Aleyrodes, type genus + -idae

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Aleyrodidae was in 1840

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Aleyrodidae

Cite this Entry

“Aleyrodidae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Aleyrodidae. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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