catocala

noun

ca·​toc·​a·​la
kəˈtäkələ;
ˌkatəˈkālə,
-ˈkalə
1
capitalized : a widely distributed genus of large moths (family Noctuidae) having the forewings dull and the hind wings larger and brightly colored
2
or less commonly catocalid
-lə̇d
plural -s : a moth of the genus Catocala : underwing sense 2

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from cato- + -cala (irregular from Greek kalos beautiful); from the red or yellow hind wings

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Cite this Entry

“Catocala.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catocala. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

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