n.
Pronunciation: ˌ k ō -l ē - ' äp-t ə -r ə
Function: noun plural
Etymology: New Latin, ultimately from Greek koleon sheath + pteron wing ― more at FEATHER
Date: 1771
: insects that are beetles
– co · le · op · ter · ist \ -t ə -rist \ noun
– co · le · op · ter · ous \ -t ə -r ə s \ adjective