anisopteran
|an-i-sop-ter-an|
🇺🇸
/ˌænɪˈsɑptərən/
🇬🇧
/ˌænɪˈsɒpt(ə)rən/
unequal-winged dragonfly
Etymology
'anisopteran' originates from New Latin 'Anisoptera', ultimately from Greek: 'anisos' meaning 'unequal' and 'pteron' meaning 'wing'.
'anisopteran' was formed in English as a derivative of the taxonomic New Latin name 'Anisoptera' (coined in modern scientific classification), which itself comes from the Greek elements 'anisos' + 'pteron'.
Initially the elements meant 'unequal wing(s)', used descriptively for the group; it evolved into a taxonomic name and now denotes a member of that group (a dragonfly).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a dragonfly; any insect of the suborder Anisoptera, characterized by relatively large hind wings and typically holding the wings horizontally when at rest.
An anisopteran darted across the marsh, its wings flashing in the sunlight.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/13 17:52