prə.ˈtyu̇rə noun plural
Usage: capitalized
Etymology: New Latin, from prot- + -ura
: a group of very minute primitive wingless blind arthropods that lack antennae, have the mouth parts concealed within the head, undergo no noticeable metamorphosis except an increase in the number of abdominal segments, and are sometimes considered to form an order of Insecta or more often in current classification treated as a distinct class
• pro·tu·ran -rən adjective or noun