n. Any of numerous insects of the order Lepidoptera, which includes the butterflies and moths, characterized by four membranous wings covered with small scales and having larvae that are called caterpillars. [From New Latin Lepidoptera, order name : LEPIDO- + Greek ptera, pl. of pteron, wing, winged creature; see -PTER.] lep′i·dopter·an, lep′i·dopter·ous adj. |
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