n. Any of various insects of the order Neuroptera, having large eyes, chewing mouthparts, and wings with many veins, and including the lacewings and antlions. The order formerly included other groups, such as the dobsonflies. [From New Latin Neuroptera, order name : Greek neuron, vein, tendon; see NEURON + Greek ptera, pl. of pteron, wing; see -PTER.] neu·ropter·an, neu·ropter·ous adj. |
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