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lycaenid

lycaenid

9.9
A small butterfly with bright, often blue, wings
  • noun
  • /ˌlaɪˈsiːnɪd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : licénido
  • The vibrant blue lycaenid fluttered among the wildflowers in the meadow.

Examples

  • Researchers observed a decline in lycaenid populations due to habitat loss.

  • Several species of lycaenid are known for their intricate wing patterns and mutual relationships with ants.

  • The lycaenid fluttered gracefully among the flowers.

  • Many lycaenids are known for their vibrant colors.

  • At the garden, I spotted a small lycaenid fluttering around the colorful flowers.

  • The lycaenid butterflies are known for their vibrant colors and delicate wings.

  • During our hike, we admired a rare lycaenid resting on a leaf.

Synonyms

butterfly
vslycaenid
160 1.0

A small insect with a thin body and bright wings that flies in daylight

names only small, bright members of one family rather than all related insects
lycaenid butterfly
vslycaenid
  • Specialized
9.9

A small bright butterfly often with blue, shiny wings

is the shorter name for the same insects without the extra noun

Compounds

lycaenid butterfly
  • Specialized
9.9

A small bright butterfly often with blue, shiny wings

Surface Forms

lycaenid singular
lycaenids plural

Morphology

lycaenid = Lycaenidae (opaque) = lycaen + id

The word is formed from a Latin taxonomic name plus the suffix '-id'; the scientific family name is unfamiliar to most B1 learners, so the relation is not guessable.

Etymology

Lycaenid comes from the old scientific name Lycaena, a Greek name once used for small butterflies and linked to lykos 'wolf', a surprising image that can help you remember these tiny, showy insects. So, a lycaenid is one of the small, brightly colored butterflies in that group.