Cleridae

plural noun

Cler·​i·​dae

ˈklerəˌdē

: a family of beetles related to the soldier beetles and fireflies and usually of bright checkered colors or metallic luster and predaceous on other insects

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Clerus, type genus (from Greek klēros, a kind of beetle, probably of the genus Clerus) + -idae

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!