Apterygota
|ap-te-ry-go-ta|
/ˌæptəˈrɪɡətə/
without wings; wingless insects
Etymology
'Apterygota' originates from New Latin (used in scientific taxonomy), ultimately from Greek 'apterygōtos' (ἀπτερύγωτος), where the prefix 'a-' meant 'without' and 'pteryg-' / 'pteryx' meant 'wing'.
'Apterygota' was formed in New Latin in 19th-century entomological literature from the Greek elements 'a-' + 'pteryx'. The term entered English scientific usage to name wingless insect assemblages and appeared as 'Apterygota' in taxonomic texts.
Initially, it literally meant 'without wings' and was used broadly for wingless insects; over time it became a formal taxonomic name but has since been regarded by many authorities as a paraphyletic (not a single evolutionary lineage) or obsolete grouping.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a historical (taxonomic) group name for primitive, wingless insects — traditionally including orders such as Archaeognatha and Zygentoma; now considered paraphyletic or obsolete in many modern classifications.
Apterygota was once treated as a distinct group of primitive, wingless insects.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
in a less technical or general sense, members of the group (individual wingless insects) — e.g., an apterygote such as a silverfish.
A common apterygote found in homes is the silverfish (order Zygentoma).
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/30 10:15