coleoptera Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun beetles
    order Coleoptera.

WordNet

Co`le*op"te*ra noun plural
Etymology
NL., fr. Gr. sheath-winged; sheath + wing.
Definitions
  1. (Zoöl.) An order of insects having the anterior pair of wings (elytra) hard and horny, and serving as coverings for the posterior pair, which are membranous, and folded transversely under the others when not in use. The mouth parts form two pairs of jaws (mandibles and maxillæ) adapted for chewing. Most of the Coleoptera are known as beetles and weevils.

Webster 1913