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Glite Dictionary
neuropterous insect

neuropterous insect

9.9
An insect with four large clear wings showing a fine net of veins and small biting mouthparts, like a lacewing
  • noun
  • /ˌnjʊəˈrɒptərəs ˈɪnsekt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : insecto neuroptero
  • Scientists study neuropterous insects like antlions and lacewings for their role in pest control.

Examples

  • The delicate wings of a neuropterous insect are covered in a fine network of veins.

  • A neuropterous insect can often be identified by its large, transparent, net-veined wings.

  • A neuropterous insect can be seen in the garden.

  • The neuropterous insects are fascinating to observe.

  • A neuropterous insect can often be identified by its large, transparent, net-veined wings.

  • Scientists study neuropterous insects like antlions and lacewings for their role in pest control.

  • The delicate wings of a neuropterous insect are covered in a fine network of veins.

Synonyms

insect
vsneuropterous insect
341 1.0

A small animal with a body in three parts, six legs and often wings

is more specific, limiting to those with net veined four membranous wings
neuropteran
vsneuropterous insect
  • Specialized
9.9

An insect with a biting mouth and four thin wings with net-like veins

is the descriptive phrase rather than the concise taxonomic name
neuropteron
vsneuropterous insect
  • Specialized
9.9

An insect with four large wings covered in many thin lines and jaws for biting

is the same meaning but uses an alternate term form

Surface Forms

neuropterous insect singular
neuropterous insects plural

Morphology

neuropterous + insect

The phrase is a regular adjective + noun composition: if a learner knows 'neuropterous' (i.e. relating to Neuroptera or having netlike-veined wings) and 'insect', they can directly infer it means an insect with neuropterous features. The adjective is technical and low-frequency, but the compositional relation is predictable and follows standard grammatical patterns, so the meaning is transparent given knowledge of both constituents.

Etymology

Neuropterous insect may come from Greek parts: neuro- meaning 'nerve' and -pterous meaning 'winged'. So the name helps you remember the insect's look: it has large, clear wings covered in many thin, 'nerve'-like veins that form a net-like pattern.