-ˈnäptərə noun plural
Usage: capitalized
Etymology: New Latin, from Greek, neuter plural of hymenopteros membrane-winged, from hymeno- (from hymen-, hymēn membrane, caul) + -pteros -pterous — more at hymen
: an estensive order of highly specialized insects that include the bees, wasps, ants, ichneumons, sawflies, gall wasps, and related forms, that often associate in large colonies with complex social organization, that have usually four membranous wings typically with a thickened dark spot near the anterior edge of the forewings, the abdomen generally borne on a slender pedicel, and in the female complex ovipositors at the posterior end of the body which may be modified into sawing, boring, or piercing organs or in one group converted into a sting, and that undergo complete metamorphosis, the larva being usually a footless grub
• hy·me·nop·ter·ous | ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷t(ə)rəs adjective