I. ˈaptərə noun plural
Usage: capitalized
Etymology: New Latin, from Greek, neuter plural of apteros
1. in former classifications : an order comprising various wingless arthropods (as spiders, centipedes, and certain insects)
2. in some modern classifications
a. : an order of insects coextensive with Entotrophi
b. : an order of insects coextensive with Apterygota
• ap·ter·an -rən adjective or noun
II. noun
( plural apter·ae -əˌrē)
Etymology: New Latin, from Greek apterē, feminine of apteros
: a wingless parthenogenetic female aphid that lives on the definitive host plants producing other generations of like aphids and later a generation of alates