ˈmantə̇s, -aan- noun
Etymology: New Latin, from Greek, literally, prophet; from the posture of such insects, with the forelimbs extended as though in prayer; akin to Greek mainesthai to be mad — more at mania
1. plural mantis·es -_tə̇sə̇z or man·tes -ˌtēz : an insect of Mantis or a related genus (suborder Manteodea) that has a long prothorax, feeds upon other insects, clasps its prey in upheld forelimbs as if in prayer, and is harmless to man
2. capitalized : a genus of insects containing the typical mantises
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