I. ə̇nzˈt-, ə̇nˈst- transitive verb
also en·star ə̇n-, en-
Etymology: in- (II) or en- (I) + star (n.)
1. archaic : to place as a star : turn into a star
2. : to adorn or stud with or as if with stars
a coronet instarred with precious stones
II. ˈinzˌtär, -nˌst-, -tȧ(r noun
( -s )
Etymology: New Latin, from Latin, figure, form, perhaps alteration of instare to approach, to be evenly balanced, stand upon — more at instant
: a stage in the life of an insect or other arthropod between two successive molts
some insects may have seven or more instars
also : an individual in a specified instar
collected several third- instar larvae