pterygote
|ter-ri-gote|
🇺🇸
/ˈtɛrɪɡoʊt/
🇬🇧
/ˈtɛrɪɡəʊt/
winged (insect)
Etymology
'pterygote' originates from New Latin 'Pterygota', from Greek 'pteryx' (πτέρυξ), where the root meant 'wing'.
'pterygote' derives from Greek 'pteryx' → New Latin 'Pterygota' (name for the group of winged insects) → adopted into modern English as 'pterygote'.
Initially the Greek root referred simply to 'wing', and over time the term came to denote organisms (and adjectival forms) characterized by having wings — specifically the taxonomic group of winged insects.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an insect belonging to the Pterygota, i.e. a member of the group of winged insects (insects that have wings at some stage of their life cycle).
A pterygote undergoes metamorphosis and develops wings during its life cycle.
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Adjective 1
relating to or characteristic of the Pterygota; having wings or winged.
The pterygote stages of many insects are adapted for flight.
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Last updated: 2025/08/20 11:53