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Added 10 October 2026

dipteran

/ˈdɪp.təɹ.ən/ noun

In Latin: dipterum Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about dipteran at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Insects having usually a single pair of functional wings (anterior pair) with the posterior pair reduced to small knobbed structures and mouth parts adapted for sucking or lapping or piercing.

Origin

PIE word *dwóh₁ Immediately from translingual Diptera + -an, for denoting taxonomic specification, as opposed to instances where "fly" is used informally. From Ancient Greek δίπτερος (dípteros, “two-winged”) + -an, from δι- (di-, “two, di-”) + πτερόν (pterón, “feather, wing”) + -ος (-os, “adjectival suffix”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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