Cetoniidae

plural noun

Ce·​to·​ni·​i·​dae
ˌsētəˈnīəˌdē
: a family of rather large brightly colored diurnal beetles comprising the sap chafers, having the mandibles thin and feeble and the mouth parts adapted to soft or liquid food, and being closely related to and often included as a subfamily of the Scarabaeidae see goliath beetle

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Cetonia, type genus (irregular from Greek kētos sea monster) + -idae

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 Cetoniidae

Cite this Entry

“Cetoniidae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Cetoniidae. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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