Orthoptera noun pl. [ɔ:'Ɵɒpt(ǝ)rǝ] Rarely in sing. -ron [-rǝn]. E19.
[mod. Latin, neut. pl. of orthopterus, from Greek ORTHO- + pteron wing: see -A³.]
(Members of) a large order of insects (the crickets, grasshoppers, etc.) having the hind legs usually enlarged and modified for jumping, and characterized by biting mouthparts and incomplete metamorphosis.

► Formerly also including the cockroaches and stick insects, now included in the separate orders Dictyoptera and Phasmida.

■ orthopteran noun & adjective (a) noun a member of the order Orthoptera; (b) adjective = orthopterous: M19.

■ orthopterist noun a person who studies Orthoptera L19.

■ orthopteroid adjective & noun (a) adjective of, pertaining to, or designating a group of insect orders closely related to the Orthoptera; (b) noun an orthopteroid insect: L19.

■ orthopterous adjective belonging or pertaining to the order Orthoptera E19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲