Zygoptera
|zy-gop-te-ra|
🇺🇸
/zaɪˈɡɑptərə/
🇬🇧
/zaɪˈɡɒptərə/
yoked/paired wings
Etymology
'Zygoptera' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically the elements 'zygon' and 'pteron', where 'zygon' meant 'yoke' and 'pteron' meant 'wing'.
'Zygoptera' was formed in Modern Latin/Greek for zoological classification (19th century usage), built from Ancient Greek 'zygon' + 'pteron', and adopted as the taxonomic name for the damselfly suborder.
Initially in Greek the elements described 'yoked' or 'paired wings'; over time the compound evolved into a scientific name denoting the group of insects characterized by such wing arrangement (the damselflies).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a suborder of the insect order Odonata comprising the damselflies — typically slender-bodied insects with similar-sized wings that are usually held together above the body when at rest.
Zygoptera includes many familiar damselflies found near ponds and streams.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
(usage/derivative) In English, the related form 'zygopteran' can be used for an individual member of Zygoptera; the base taxon name Zygoptera itself is used as the name of the group.
Specimens labeled Zygoptera were observed at the site throughout the summer.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/18 20:40