ephemerid

[ ih-fem-er-id ]

noun

1. an insect of the order Ephemeroptera, comprising the mayflies.

ephemerid

/ ɪˈfɛmərɪd /

noun

1. any insect of the order Ephemeroptera (or Ephemerida ), which comprises the mayflies Also calledephemeropteran

Word History and Origins

Origin of ephemerid¹

From the New Latin word Ephemeridae, dating back to 1870–75. See ephemeral, -id ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of ephemerid¹

C19: from New Latin Ephēmerida, from Greek ephēmeros short-lived + -id ²

Example Sentences

In some living organisms such as insects, especially the ephemerid� who have but a brief existence, this change of substance is even more rapid than that in an osmotic growth.

From Project Gutenberg

Swift as the swallow, and more true of aim, the great trout made one dart, and a sound, deeper than a tinkle, but as silvery as a bell, rang the poor ephemerid's knell.

From Project Gutenberg

Those who play a waiting game have matters more in their own hands, time gives them double chances; whereas if success does not come at once to the ephemerid he misses it altogether.

From Project Gutenberg

Already, in the case of the ephemerids, nature has produced a complete cycle of normal life ending in natural death.

From Project Gutenberg