ˌnid.əˈd(y)üləˌdē noun plural
Usage: capitalized
Etymology: New Latin, from Nitidula, type genus (from Late Latin, feminine of nitidulus natty, diminutive of Latin nitidus bright, neat) + -idae
: a family of small beetles having 5-jointed tarsi and antennae ending in a 3-jointed clavate expansion, including some that are believed to be vectors of the oak wilt fungus, and having larvae that develop usually in decaying vegetation but sometimes attack healthy plants